Bengaluru: Bengaluru’s biking community is up in arms over the proposed ban on two-wheelers on select high-speed flyovers from Sept 4. Riders say the move could mean longer commutes, clogged surface roads and more fuel burnt as they are forced to take slower routes.The proposed restrictions are likely to affect key stretches, including the new Airport Road flyover, Electronics City Elevated Corridor and other major grade separators. Traffic authorities say the curbs are aimed at keeping vehicles moving smoothly and reducing accidents.While many questioned, “Who comes up with such hare-brained ideas for Bengaluru, which has the highest number of two-wheelers in the country?”, bikers said the move unfairly penalises responsible riders. They argued that motorcycles are often the preferred mode of transport as they offer faster, more efficient commutes in a city notorious for traffic congestion.“CM D K Shivakumar says Bengaluru has 1.4 crore vehicles, including around 85 lakh two-wheelers. Most of us use bikes to reduce congestion. But if the traffic police treat bikers as second-class citizens and push us onto already congested surface roads, we will have no option but to take our cars for our daily commute,” said Vinod Kumar, a techie who rides from Jayanagar 9th Block to Electronics City every day.Students and daily commuters fear the restrictions could mean longer travel times. Riders said being pushed onto congested service roads and through multiple traffic signals could simply shift bottlenecks to alternative routes.Traffic police, however, maintain that the proposed restrictions are in the larger public interest. A senior traffic police officer said, “Two-wheeler riders risk themselves and pose a danger to others on stretches where vehicles travel at high speeds.”Bikers hit back: “We too pay toll and taxes for roads. Why this step-motherly treatment?” They urged the govt to reconsider the proposal and instead crack down on stunt riding, overspeeding and other traffic violations rather than impose a blanket ban.Harshith BK, Founder, Bikerstroop BengaluruThis proposed rule is highly disappointing. Are only car owners living in Bengaluru? Don’t bike owners pay taxes and belong to this city too? I can currently cover the Electronics City flyover stretch in about 15 minutes, and I pay the toll as well. If I’m forced to take the road below and navigate all the signals and traffic, the same journey could take 30 to 40 minutes. Only a small percentage of bikers create problems, but the majority are being made to suffer because of them.Vishal Agarwal, Bengaluru RD 350 ClubThis may be a good decision for those who perform stunts on flyovers at midnight, but it serves no purpose for responsible riders. We choose bikes because they help us commute faster and safely. If bikes are banned on these flyovers, should everyone start using cars, adding to traffic and pollution? Riders heading out on long trips follow traffic rules and ride responsibly. In fact, surface roads near the airport can be more dangerous because of multiple junctions, pedestrians crossing and roadside vendors. Forcing us through every signal just to get out of the city makes little sense.Riya Dev, student, CMR UniversityIf I’m not allowed to use the new Airport Road flyover, my travel time to college will increase by nearly an hour. If many of us are forced onto alternative roads and have to cross multiple signals, those routes will also get clogged. Cars occupy far more road space than two-wheelers. The regulation should be reconsidered before it is implemented.Tejas PB, regular commuterCiting safety concerns to restrict two-wheelers on the Electronics City flyover is understandable, as the flyover is relatively narrow. But beyond that, I fail to understand why the govt is prioritising cars over other road users. Transport planning should focus on moving people, not just vehicles. This approach may not serve Bengaluru well in the long run.Shilpa Sathyanarayana, solo bikerBecause of a few riders who flout rules, perform stunts and ride without helmets, even responsible bikers are being affected. While the restrictions may inconvenience riders like us, I understand the reasoning behind them. We can still use alternative routes, but allowing two-wheelers on high-speed flyovers could also encourage unsafe riding and put other road users’ lives at risk.X ReactionsTweets against the decision*The govt wont make efforts to educate drivers and riders, but will make life miserable for non-car users.*Let’s make Bengaluru a car-only city, should ask agencies to stop selling two-wheelers. That would reduce traffic totally!*To reduce accidents, roads should be made well without potholes or uneven patches. But that is too difficult for the govt, so ban the vulnerable two-wheeler riders even though they pay taxes.*Banning two wheelers on flyovers is not the solution, crackdown against those who do not follow rules. Also, do not allow single-passengers in huge cars if bikes are not allowed.
