Learn the abc of cycling

KOCHI: Commuters in Kochi can now bid adieu to mind-numbing waits in traffic blocks. Athi’s Bicycle Club (abc), the state’s first cross-city bicycling club, has now started functioning in the city with its mission to establish a sustainable and fun mode of transport.“Cycling is healthy and eco-friendly. In a city like Kochi where traffic moves at a snail’s pace, cycling is much more effective than any other means of road transport. More than that, it is the success of my first venture in Thiruvananthapuram that inspired me to try out the same in Kochi,” says Thiruvananthapuram-based engineer M S Athirup, the brain behind abc. According to Athirup’s plan, the cycles can be taken from and deposited at any of the dozen bicycle racks in the city. With around 130 members in Thiruvananthapuram, the club has already aquired 35 members in Kochi since its launch in the city on May 20.  According to Athirup, becoming a member of the club is “as easy as abc”. “After walking into one of the abc bicycle racks, call 9645511155 and give your details such ase name, age, profession, landline number, email id and address. You will be provided with a membership number once the landline number is verified. After either depositing a running-condition bicycle or the membership fee of Rs. 2,000 at the rack, you are in!” explains Athirup. In order to use a bicycle, the member has to sms the lock ID of the bicycle of his/her choice to abc. The opening password will be immediately sent as a reply. He/she can then use the bicycle for any distance for a meagre fee of Rs 2 per hour and return the cycle at any of the 12 abc bicycle racks in the city. abc currently offers a scheme where its members can use a cycle for two hours per day at a monthly fee of Rs 50. The racks are located in 12 major centres, viz., Kaloor, North and South railway stations, Padma, Menaka, Kacherippady, High Court, Boat Jetty, Panampilly Nagar, Kadavanthra, Thevara and Vytilla.  “My vision is to provide a bicycle rack at every major junction of every major city in the country. I’m planning to launch my next venture in Thrissur next month,” says Athirup.