Urban News

The Deccan Chronicle  23.11.2010

Nov. 22: Chennai is all set to witness a spurt in the number of cycle-users. With the corporation clearing the decks for renting out cycles along the Marina beach, the scheme is likely to be a Pongal gift. The consultant appointed by the civic body to construct cycle tracks in school zones in posh Anna Nagar has reached the final stage and tender works will commence soon, says corporation commissioner D. Karthickeyan.

Both projects will be a boon for youngsters and schoolchildren. The corporation is finalising the technical and bureaucratic aspects related to the cycle programmes and will execute them in a phased manner, he said.

There is heartening news from Vandalur zoo where cycle rides were introduced. They have become a hit among children and zoo visitors. “A zoo brings out the child in you and Vandalur zoo reinforces that by offering cycle rides for people to enjoy their visit to the sprawling zoo,” says Ms P. Ramani, who recently visited the zoo.

According to zoo sources, visitors, age being no bar, hire the cycles to see the various species on display. Started with just 20 cycles two years ago, the zoo now has 200 cycles. Apart from children, many young women prefer cycling than walking the 602 ha campus. The zoo offers a double treat by offering not just ordinary cycles but also tandem cycles (two cycles fixed together), which is a new experience in the city, sources add.

M. Malik,13, a class VIII student from Aminjikarai, said he likes to spend Sundays in the zoo. “My friends and I like cycling here than to sweat it out in the hot sun. We cycle for more than two hours here. I visit the zoo at least twice a month along with my friends,” he says.

Lauding the initiative of the forest department, Ms B. Anuradha, a housewife, says, “Many of us do not use cycle these days. Visiting the zoo gives us a chance to try cycling. The charges are also less. We paid just `15 an hour for a gearless cycle.” She took her sister pillion after many years. You can ride the geared cycles for `30 per hour and take the tandem cycle for `40. Mechanics are available on the zoo premises for repairs in case of trouble.

According to zoo superintendent Durai, cycles are usually in demand during Deepavali and Pongal holidays. “We have received good response from children and mothers. Parents also accompany their children on another cycle and enjoy the visit,” he adds.