2022
Dear friends, indeed I am very happy to present the recap of our cycle accessibility ride meetup. Recently in Chennai rental bicycle by Smart Bike and Chennai corporation. So this meetup was to explore the newly launched rental bicycle facilities and also see how Chennai roads are cyclers friendly.
There were seven Local guides participated in this meetup:
Jose G Benjamin
Aaryesdee (Banglore)
Jaison
Deepak Sundar
Packirisamy Saravanakanth
Deva Prasannam
John Peter
The meetup time was 6.00am, it was too early and the purpose was to reserve the bicycle at it was weekend and will be in demand. But we were unable to check-in the bicycle on 6.00am because the check-in time was 8.00am. So meanwhile we had our breakfast at the famous Ratna Cafe and wonderful time of knowing each other.
Then we checked in our bicycles by 8.00am. The smart bike has three gears, adjustable seatings, payment and renting bicycle all done through the mobile app. Maintenance is very good but the only problem is timing. Rent time starts by 8.00am but usually in Marina beach people come for exercise by 5 am and leave here by 7.30. So if the renting time is preponed to 5.00am many will use this facility.
Route & spots:
1. Started at Chennai marina
2. Nepolian Bridge
3. Secretariate Building / St. George fort
4. Parrys
5. High Court
6. Chennai Zero Zone
7. War Memorial
Most of them were riding a bicycle after many years and had a really great time, riding with other local guides. Also, we used 360 camera to take photos and I also have drawn a blue line of the area we have visited using google street view app.
The Route we have cycled is very cyclers friendly, we found a separate dedicated lane for bicycles with symbols, we found pedestrian for bicycles were also available. We hope the same system will be implemented throughout the city, state, and country.
Highly appreciating the initiative taken by the government and smart bike, to encouraging bicycle usage to fight against pollution and keep physically fit.
Wholeheartedly appreciating and thank our fellow local guides who have participated in his events. Also, thank google team for accepting the meetup request and helping us to successfully complete the event.
Thank you all,
John Peter
