The ambitious city cycle project launched by the Kozhikode City Corporation to promote green mobility and provide women with a safe and affordable mode of transport appears to have failed to take off, with several bicycles lying unused and rusting. The project was conceived with a plan to install a cycle shed in each ward, with 12 bicycles at each facility. The bicycles were to be available for rent from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at ₹20 for the first hour, ₹30 for two hours and ₹40 for three hours. An additional ₹15 was to be charged for every subsequent hour.

The project also envisaged a mobile application and GPS-enabled bicycles, while Kudumbashree members entrusted with its operation and management. However, after cycle sheds were constructed and bicycles supplied in some wards, the project got stalled lacking proper supervision.

Bicycles brought for the project in several other wards are reportedly lying in the compounds and premises of private individual. Even at wards where construction of sheds have been completed, the bicycles remain largely unused and have deteriorated due to lack of maintenance.

‘No effective mechanism’

“There is reportedly no effective mechanism in place to oversee the operation of the facilities or ensure regular maintenance of the bicycles,” says a former coordinator of the Kudumbasree Mission from Chemmangad. The lack of an operational mechanism and the dearth of users have raised questions over the proper implementation of the project, which was intended to encourage non-motorised transport and offer an affordable alternative for short-distance travel in the city, she points out.

Some of the cycle club members in the city pointed out that the project was proposed and implemented without ensuring a proper management system. The Corporation authorities should have ensured the participation of various green clubs and youth organisations to take it forward as a public movement, they said. “The cycle track created along the South beach is also remaining unused as people mostly use it now as a walking track. Very few kids are making use of the area,” said Sajid Ahammed, a local resident. He also complained that some of the traders were found misusing the space in the absence of proper surveillance.

The project was launched in 2024 at a total cost of ₹1.75 crore. Promotion of women’s health was also one of the projected goals of the project under various local bodies. Meanwhile, Corporation authorities claim that the lack of cooperation from women led to the failure of the project. They also said it was actually implemented as a pilot project to check the public feedback in 10 wards.