New Delhi: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation in its effort to provide a simple and easy transport system to its station has hit upon a novel idea – this idea will preserve the environment as well as keep the users in good shape. The idea is to rent out bicycles at very nominal rates, for this DMRC has tied up with a company.

On Wednesday this plan was put into action at the Delhi University station, so next time around if you plan to visit the campus area or India gate lawns just rent a bicycle from the nearest metro station and enjoy the ride. The rent a bicycle facility will be made available at other metro stations across the city very soon and according to the plans each station will have a modern and well designed bicycle stand with capacity of holding 40 cycles at any given time.

To start of with the DU station has currently 5 cycles for men and 2 for women more will be added as the demand for the service grows. The cycle stand will have an attendant to rent out the cycles by charging Rs. 10. all the commuters who want to rent out the cycles are required to deposit their original driving license or voter id card so that they return the cycle. This facility is available from 6 in the morning to 11 in the night. Each cycle stand has cost about Rs. 1.6 lakhs to be built and are eco friendly in nature as all of them will support rain harvesting system.

The cycle stands will also have a map of the area, along with the Metro network, to help commuters find the way to their destinations. Off late enthusiasm for bicycling in the city has been on the rise. Other forums active in the Capital are promoting cycling as a mode of commute, particularly for short distances and tourists. Recently, around 32 cycling enthusiasts, led by IPS officer Dr Kiran Bedi, took a bicycle journey around Old Delhi and its monuments. Programme coordinator Rajendra Verma said: ‘‘Modes of transport like autos or cars add to the air pollution, which is dangerous, especially for the city’s monuments. Cycling is the healthiest mode of travel and one of the best ways to enjoy the heritage of your city.’’