Ravi Karandeekar's Pune Cycle2Work Blog

One-Ways on FC and JM roads - But who'll think of the pedestrians?

2009-12-07T10:36:00.002+05:30

Three-and-half-months later, the one-ways on FC and JM roads continue to be nightmare experiences for hundred of citizens road conditions are still highly unsafe, while the lack of measures for pedestrian safety has only aggravated, with accidents just waiting to happen at any time.

It's especially a helpless situation for pedestrians, including women and elders, as they cross the road in the extreme risk of being hit by a zooming two-wheeler or a four-wheeler. The situation has become all the more worse after the removal of the road dividers. Absence of proper zebra crossings, lane markings and road signages are the reason why people find it difficult to cross the road safely.

To read more, please, visit The Times of India

PMC set to roll out work on final development of JM, FC roads

2009-11-24T08:07:00.002+05:30

Now that the authorities have embarked upon the task of removing the dividers on Jangli Maharaj (J M Road) and Fergusson College (F C Road) roads, the PMC and the traffic police have made plans to have enough space for all types of road users.

A dedicated bus lane on the extreme left of the road, a walking promenade and a cycle track at the other end and motor-vehicle lanes in the centre is what the road will have in a couple of months.

To read more, please, visit The Times of India

Traffic Trouble: Training for officials to come up with new ideas

2009-11-04T06:16:00.005+05:30

With traffic and transportation problems affecting cities in a big way, transport officials of local civic bodies as well those as from other key departments of the state will now receive training for coming up with effective solutions in the long run.

The solutions offered so far have been in the form of road widening, constructing flyovers, improving public transport planning for metro and so on. Such measures, according to the Urban Development ministry, have a limited impact and cannot serve the purpose of improving mobility in urban areas on a sustainable basis.

It has stated that improving overall mobility requires several other measures to be undertaken in a co-ordinated manner. Some of the measures include improved integration of land use and transport planning and integration of public transport systems. The capability for undertaking such a co-ordinated approach to improving mobility and a complete understanding of such issues is lacking at the state or city level, the letter states.

Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, which are among the JNNURM mission cities, would be part of this scheme proposed by the Union Urban Development Ministry, which will also focus on setting up the Urban Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) and urban transport cell.

Besides educating key officials, the ministry will help local bodies as well as the UMTA and transport cell to develop manuals, codes and standards related to transport.

To read more, please, visit The Times of India

3 years on, Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) still to gain momentum

2009-11-03T18:56:00.002+05:30

Launched as a pilot project in Delhi, Pune and Ahmedabad as an answer to cities' ever-growing traffic problems, the ambitious Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) project has raised more questions then answers. The progress in all the three cities has indeed been very slow.

In Pune, according to civic officials, over 90 per cent of the work on BRTS, with features footpaths and cycle tracks, has been completed. The work on having proper bus-shelters, buses with ITS-enabled facilities has not been completed though.

The pilot project on the Katraj-Swargate-Hadapsar route, travelling a distance of 13.6 kms, was launched with much fanfare on December 3, 2006.

Transport experts have termed the pilot project as merely a dedicated bus lane project. Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations have aleady started planning on 13 BRTS corridors.

Experts in the field of climate change observed that going by the success of the Ahmedabad BRTS, which became operational last month, other cities will be encouraged to take up the project on priority.

Apart from the three cities, the BRTS is presently in the planning and construction stages in neighboring Pimpri-Chinchwad, Mumbai, Bhopal, Indore, Jaipur, Rajkot, Surat, Vishakapatnam and Vijaywada.

To read more, please, visit The Times of India

PCMC to re-install 50 bus shelters with toilet blocks for men and women and a telephone booth

2009-10-30T11:01:00.003+05:30

Bus Shelters on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis:

The work on re-installing 50 bus shelters along the 14-km long stretch of the Pune-Mumbai highway in Pimpri-Chinchwad is expected to begin in a few weeks.

These bus shelters were removed by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) three years ago to facilitate widening of the highway. Though the highway widening is complete, the PCMC is still to re-install the bus shelters and the delay is causing inconvenience to bus commuters.

"We plan to re-install the bus shelters soon on a build, operate and transfer' basis. We have installed two models of bus shelters at Vallabhnagar. The Pune Mahangar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) will finalise one of the models," municipal commissioner Ashish Sharma told TOI.

The engineering department officials said that the PMPML has identified 44 spots on either side of the highway for installing the bus shelters.

The PCMC will invite bids from private contractors for installing the bus shelters. As per the tentative plan, the contractor will be allowed to put up advertisements on the bus shelters and earn revenue. In return, he will have to erect separate toilet blocks for men and women and install a telephone booth at the bus shelter. In addition, the contractor will also be asked to maintain the lawns and shrubs planted on the road dividers and the trees planted along the highway.

PCMC to re-install 50 bus shelters soon

AC buses run on CNG may be distant dream for PMPML

2009-08-17T04:59:00.003+05:30

Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited's (PMPML) plan to make air-conditioned (AC) buses run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) part of their fleet is in the midst of a controversy, with the urban development (UD) ministry saying that the transport body get in AC buses that run on diesel.

It may be noted that the transport body wants to get 200 such buses, which are part of the total 650 buses sanctioned for Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission.

The PMPML authorities firmly believe that AC public buses would pose to be a huge attraction for people who use their personal cars. "Since each AC bus may carry up to 45 passengers, the number of people opting for these buses instead of their cars would increase significantly," said a senior official. The officials said the response to the existing ten AC buses has increased after the fares were revised.
To read more, please, visit - The Times of India

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Pune Metropolitan Transport Authority in 2 months

2009-01-02T10:10:00.008+05:30

Move to tackle traffic congestion:

The proposal to establish Pune Metropolitan Transport Authority (PMTA) that would address issues related to public transport in Pune metropolitan region, is likely to get the government's nod soon.

State minister for transport Dr Satish Patil on Thursday said that the establishment of PMTA would be pursued keenly to resolve growing traffic blues of Pune.

PMTA is expected to keep an eye on planning and execution of all public transport projects and also recommend priority of their accomplishment.
read more...
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A hybrid year for auto!

2009-01-01T06:08:00.007+05:30

The all-electric Reva has also seen tepid sales in India, even though it has had moderate success in the UK (as the G-Whiz), because despite virtually no duties, it still costs over Rs 3 lakh.

The real growth story will unfold, however, in the electric twowheeler market that has seen strong growth in the last couple of years.

According to some industry estimates, the e-bike market in India is estimated to grow from 170,000 units in 2007-08 to 240,000 units this year.

Ultra Motors expects to sell around 60,000 units this year. Electrotherm India has also jumped in, with scooters under the YoBikes brand name.

However, problems persist both in terms of technology and marketing of e-bikes. For starters, the battery technology remains limited to lead acid variants, with mileage of not more than 80 km per charge. More modern variants are expensive, adding to the overall cost of the vehicle, making it unaffordable to consumers. While Pune-based Ace Group (Motors) has tried to locally manufacture batteries to slash costs, it's only a small step in cost reduction.

While smaller 100-150 watt bikes don't require a two-wheeler licence to ride, larger scooters housing a 250-watt engine does require one.
To read more, please, visit - sify

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World Bank to help improve Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited

2008-12-13T17:00:00.003+05:30

Having agreed to work with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to assess projects like the metro and the mono rail as well as offering Rs 100 crore for non-motorised transport initiatives, the World Bank (WB) has now decided to also help improve the civic public transport facilities

How to bring about qualitative changes in the public transport facilities?

On a routine day, the transport body runs 1,050 buses.

It is unable to put more vehicles on the road because this is the maximum number of buses available with them and also because around 200 have to be spared for routine maintenance on rotation.

While PMPML authorities admit there is a shortage of buses around 500 to be precise they do not have the financial resources to buy new ones.

Considering that the population of Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, the two cantonment areas and the fringe areas is around 42 lakh, there is definite need of 1,700 buses.

However, over the last six months, the only addition has been of 162 buses taken on lease.

The PMC and PMPML officials made a presentation to the WB representatives and discussed about the possibility of a loan for improving the civic transport.

------------------

PMPML AT A GLANCE

Total number of buses: 1,260

Operational fleet: 1,050

Total kms covered daily: 2.4 lakh

Number of passengers daily: 8.3 lakh

Total number of routes: 260

Daily average earning: Rs 60 lakh

Daily average expenditure: Rs 75 lakh

Daily losses: Over Rs 15 lakh

Expenditure per km per bus: Rs 37

Earning per km per bus: Rs 27

Number of buses required: Around 1,700

Current gap in number of buses required: 500

The Times of India

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Pune Municipal Corporation to speed up the work on the cycle track along the Bus Rapid Transit System pilot route of Swargate-Katraj-Hadapsar

2008-12-13T11:38:00.005+05:30

Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) plans to complete the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) pilot route of Swargate-Katraj-Hadapsar and the cycle track by December-end.

World Bank (WB) has decided give Rs 100 crore to the PMC to encourage its non-motorised transport initiatives.

the BRTS and the cycle track on the stretch between Panchami hotel to Laxminarayan theatre will be completed immediately.

Additional city engineer (roads) Vivek Kharwadkar told TOI that the WB delegation was pleased with the civic body's efforts to initiate cycle tracks. "The WB funds would be mainly used for non-motorised transport. We are focusing on cycle tracks along with the BRTS route and hope to complete it soon." The Times of India

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Railways plans to run local trains between Pune and Lonavla every 15 minutes during selected hours

2008-12-13T08:16:00.003+05:30

At present, four electric multiple units (EMUs), better known as local trains, shuttle 40 times between Pune and Lonavala every day, catering to about one lakh commuters.

Divisional Railway Manager D K Jain:

“We have drawn up a plan to run local trains between Pune and Lonavla every 15 minutes during selected hours,” says Jain. “During peak hours, in the morning and evening, one train every 15 minutes can be run,” said Jain.

March 31, 2009:

The Central Railway plan, however, hinges on completion of the automatic signalling system and conversion from DC (direct current) system to AC (alternative current).

“Compared to AC, DC system is less efficient, as there is extra energy consumption. DC system is maintenance-prone and can't take extra load. On the other hand, AC system is more efficient and scores over DC system on several counts,” says Jain.

Both projects are likely to be completed by March 31 next year.

Between Lonavala and Daund!:

According to Jain, once the automatic signalling and DC-to-AC conversion work are over, they would look at the possibility of completion of electrification work so that local trains could be run directly between Lonavala and Daund. “This might take two years.”

12 coaches:

Also on the cards are more compartments for local trains. “We want to increase the coaches in local trains from nine to 12. A proposal has been sent to the Central Railway general manager in this connection. Since Mumbai now has additional rakes, we are hopeful of getting extra coaches soon,” adds Jain.

"Why not one train every five minutes?"

Harsha Shah, president of the Railway Pravasi Sangh says, “Why 15 minutes? Why not one train every five minutes?”

“If railways have the will, they can do it by rescheduling long distance trains and implementing commuter-specific programmes. If a local train is available every five minutes, I am sure our roads will witness less traffic jams and fewer accidents,” she said.
To read more, please, visit - Express India

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Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation to construct the longest flyover in Pune district near the Empire Estate in Chinchwad

2008-12-10T11:59:00.001+05:30

Speaking to TOI, Dilip Kudale, co-ordinator of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) cell, said the civic body has received a sanction from the Union government to build the flyover under this scheme.

The PCMC has received Rs 442.60 crore for developing two Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) corridors one from Nashik phata to Wakad and the second 11.2-km long corridor from Kalewadi to Dehu-Alandi.

Kudale said, "The flyover near Empire Estate, on the old Pune-Mumbai highway, is part of the Kalewadi to Dehu-Alandi BRTS corridor. The total width of this stretch will be 45 metre. Meanwhile, the total length of the flyover will be 1.9 km, while the width will be around 27 metre."

He added, "The flyover will have six lanes and the width of each lane will be 3.5 metre. One lane on each side of the road divider will be marked for BRTS buses. There will be a cycle track on both sides of the flyover, measuring 2.5 metre. There will also be 1.5 metre wide footpath."

The main roads in the township Dehu-Alandi road, old Pune-Mumbai highway, Aundh-Ravet road, Telco road and westerly bypass are in the east-west direction. The Kalewadi to Dehu-Alandi BRTS corridor will run in the north south direction and connect all these roads.

"The flyover will begin in Kalewadi and cross the Pavana river, Pimpri-Chinchwad link road, Pune-Lonavla railway line and the old Pune-Mumbai highway and end near Autocluster in Chinchwad", said Kudale.

The traffic congestion on the Indira Gandhi flyover in Pimpri is expected to reduce, since people from Kalewadi and nearby areas, who have to cross the railway tracks, and the old Pune-Mumbai highway will use the new flyover.

"The flyover will be built on a 45-metre-wide road as per the Development Plan. Since, the PCMC is in possession of the land, there is no problem of land acquisition," said Kudale.

However, since permission from the railways is necessary to construct a flyover over railway tracks, he said, "We have sent letters to the railways seeking permission. We have also held talks with railway officials in this regard."

"The municipal commissioner has given the go-ahead for inviting tenders for this project. The expected cost of the project is around Rs 80 crore," said Kudale.
-The Times of India

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Railway Protection Force plans to implement an integrated security scheme at Pune railway station

2008-12-10T11:06:00.004+05:30

Rs 4.5 crore advanced security system:

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has already erected two bunkers at the Pune railway station and plans to erect four more within a week. Vapour detectors will be installed at major stations to detect presence of bombs.

The integrated security scheme (ISS) plan envisages increasing manpower, putting all entry and exit points under surveillance, erecting security wall around railway stations and using X-Ray machines for checking bags.

The stations will also get close circuit cameras, night vision cameras, cameras with high specifications, well-equipped control rooms, door frame metal detectors, hand-held metal detectors and bomb detection units.

Other safety devices include semi-automatic and automatic weapons, bullet-proof jackets, helmets and sniffer dog squads.

By the end of this financial year, the Pune station will be equipped with all these security gears. To read more, please, visit - Pune station to get Rs 4.5 cr security upgrade

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KLAUS Multiparking and Automag in JV to set up Pune facility

2008-11-29T15:26:00.008+05:30

KLAUS Multiparking Systems, the German leader in mechanized car parking and the Pune-based Automag group, in a 50:50 joint venture project, has set up a manufacturing facility in Pune to produce mechanised parking system sets.

Mr Guenther Siederer, Managing Director, KLAUS Multiparking Systems said that India's explosive growth and rapid urbanization need modern facilities like mechanized car parking system and KLAUS is very happy to partner with AUTOMAG group to set up manufacturing facilities in India. The company provides mechanised to computer aided parking solutions to their customers.

With the number of cars in India all set to increase from the present level of about 1.5 million to 8 million cars by 2020, Nitin Bhave, Managing Director, KLAUS Multiparking Systems India, said that mechanized car parking is emerging as the most ideal solution to the serious problem of car parking in Indian cities. The mechanized car parking also enables optimum usage of space, safety & security of car, savings in fuel and reduces effects of pollution. To read more, please, visit - MACHINIST

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Pune-Satara highway, including Katraj-Dehu road bypass now to have six lanes and a few flyovers!

2008-11-22T09:37:00.001+05:30

Motorists on the Pune-Satara national highway will soon be able to enjoy the pleasure of driving on a six-lane way. The decision was made, after the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) received as many as 27 bids from private companies to convert the four-lane, 140 km long, Pune-Satara highway into six lanes.

A senior NHAI official said the expansion would also be extended to the Katraj-Dehu road bypass.

In addition, the Rs1,724.55crore project will also include the construction of seven-metre-wide service lanes on both sides of the highway. From 60,000 to one lakh vehicles ply between Pune-Satara daily.

However, an NHAI official said the number of motorists using the Katraj-Dehu road bypass is more than those using the Pune-Satara national highway. To read more, please, visit - DNA

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Why India’s Bus Rapid Transit Projects don’t excite me - Dr Adhiraj Joglekar

2008-11-18T05:56:00.002+05:30

The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) as it is currently planned in India is suggested as the one-size-fit-all solution to our transport woes.

Having travelled on Mumbai’s bus service (BEST) for thirty years & London’s public transport since 2001, I can’t share the optimism of those who believe BRT (as it is currently planned) is the way forward.

When senior citizens, children & disabled struggle to cross the roads safely, one would hope for a solution that improves all aspects of mobility.

I wonder why a city like Pune would spend crores of rupees on BRT when 40% of its roads don’t have pavements (see state of Pune pavements here). That almost a third of Pune citizens commute by walking makes the question more poignant.

I have for some time now tried to find an answer to the question. My quest has led me to assess available information on the BRT projects implemented in India’s two cities. My understanding has grown but as have the questions. Our BRT planners unfortunately have overlooked many issues. To read more, please, visit Better Pune

Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation finally starts work on the 14.5-km-long Aundh-Ravet Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) route

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To discourage private vehicles from congesting roads - increase parking fee and decrease parking duration

2008-11-17T16:37:00.007+05:30

PMC civic administration Vs. Civic general body

The civic general body had on October 23 approved the civic administration proposal for charging parking fees. Before giving it the go ahead, the actual proposal was amended.

The civic administration had originally proposed a parking fee of Rs 5 per hour for the first three hours and Rs 10 per hour thereafter for four-wheelers. For two-wheelers, a fee of Rs 2 per hour was proposed.

The general body approved it with the parking fee of Rs 5 per hour and Rs 15 for ten hours, for four-wheelers. This was far less than the original proposal for long duration of parking. For two-wheelers, the charges of Rs 2 per hour were approved, but the general body kept the maximum at a mere Rs 5 for 10 hours.

“The purpose of discouraging private vehicles on roads by increasing parking charges cannot be achieved with the approved proposal. That’s why the civic administration decided to table it again,” a civic officer said.

The move comes on the backdrop of the state government expressing concern over increasing parking problems in urban areas due to rising number of private vehicles.

Activist Sujit Patwardhan of Pune Traffic and Transport Forum (PTTF) expressed shock at the way the proposal was amended. “The changes in the civic administration proposal shows the elected representatives’ lack of understanding of the issue,” he said. Although a parking fee of Rs 2 for two-wheelers was welcome, Patwardhan said the general body decision did not achieve the aim of discouraging private vehicles on the roads.

“The plan to increase ticket charges of Pune Mahanagar Parivan Mahamandal (PMPML) and the low parking fee for private vehicles will encourage more vehicles on the roads,” Patwardhan said.

Prashant Inamdar of Pedestrian First said the general body decision had converted public places into private parking spaces for long durations at a cheaper rate.

“Long duration parking should be discouraged. There should be incremental charges after two hours,” he said. The parking space on city roads is mostly occupied by shopkeepers and their employees which in turn creates inconvenience to the visitors who park for short durations, Inamdar said, alleging that the corporators had taken the decision in the interest of shopkeepers. - Express India

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Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation to take a loan of Rs 350 crore from the Asian Development Bank to start a Bus Rapid Transit System service

2008-11-09T20:33:00.013+05:30

Rs 1,300 crore for 6 Routes:

Speaking to media persons on Wednesday, municipal commissioner Ashish Sharma said the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation PCMC has received a letter from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) expressing its willingness to provide the loan for the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) project.

Sharma said, "The PCMC plans to start the BRTS service on six routes in the township at a total cost of around Rs 1,300 crore. The ADB will extend a loan to cover 25 per cent of the project cost, which comes up to Rs 350 - 400 crore."

Repayment in 15 years:

Explaining the reason for taking the loan, the civic chief said, "Normally, bank loans have to be repaid in seven to eight years. But the ADB's loans can be repaid in 15 years. Further, the PCMC has an AA+ credit rating, which means that we can get bank loans easily."

Social and Environmental impact:

"We will be working out details of the loan amount and the terms and conditions in two weeks. The ADB has appointed a consultant to assess the social and environmental impact of the project, which is expected to be ready in three months. The loan agreement with the ADB will be signed after that," Sharma further said.

Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission scheme:

The municipal commissioner explained that the PCMC will seek 60 per cent of the project cost from the union government under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission scheme. The civic body will bear the remaining 15 per cent of the expenditure, Sharma stated.

Urban Mass Transit Company Limited:

Sharma said the PCMC will appoint Urban Mass Transit Company Limited to prepare the operational plan for its BRTS project, as had also been done by the PMC.

Reacting to the opposition, Sharma said, "We have taken enough precautions and followed the technical experts' recommendations ensure that the BRTS buses run on the lanes between the concretised portion of the old Pune-Mumbai highway and the service road."

He also reiterated that 42 bus shelters and 15 toilets will be constructed along the old Pune-Mumbai highway on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis.
-The Times of India

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Sunita Narain: Buses and Barack Obama

2008-11-07T08:24:00.002+05:30

We need to change our policies to get more buses on the roads — in Obamaspeak, we need change we can believe in.

What does the election of Barack Obama as the president of the US have to do with buses in India? A lot, if you think about it. The fact is that Obama has stood for something that he calls ‘change’ — in the way we think and the way we do business. But this is great rhetoric unless we can translate this into practical changes in our everyday lives. And to do this we must understand that change will require changes in our business models and most important changes in the priorities we set for what is essential and what needs to be invested into and how.

Anyone who lives in Indian cities and is crushed under the weight of traffic and pollution will accept that we need a massive transition to public transport. But the fact is that even as we say, we need public transport in our cities the number of buses in each of our towns has gone down and not up. In 1951, one of every 10 vehicles sold in India was a bus, today out of every 100 vehicles sold, one bus makes it on our roads. To read more, please, visit - Business Standard

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Chinese Bicycle Museum officially opens

2008-10-31T14:03:00.001+05:30

Largest bicycle museum:

The Chinese Bicycle Museum officially opened to public on October 28.At present, it is the largest bicycle museum in China, and has the most abundant collections.

The museum is located inside the Bazhou Municipal Museum in Hebei province, with an area of 4,000 square meters and has on display about 300 bicycles of different brands from all over the world.

The internationally renowned brand name bicycles, such as British 'Bai Jin Ren' and 'BSA (Birmingham Short Arms)', German 'Mercedes-Benz', American 'Harley', will offer you a feast for your eyes. The four big domestic brand bicycles familiar to the Chinese, 'Red Flag', 'Forever', 'Phoenix' and 'Flying Pigeon', will make you long for the good old days. - People's Daily Online

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British Olympic stars get back on track

2008-10-31T07:37:00.004+05:30

Most of Great Britain's Olympic medalists return to action in Manchester on Friday, in the first of the World Cup Classics series.

Double gold medalist Bradley Wiggins is partnered by Geraint Thomas for the first time in the madison.

Victoria Pendleton is chasing three victories in the 1km time trial, the keirin and the individual sprint.

'It's on home turf and we get such a fantastic response from the crowd here,' Pendleton told BBC Sport.

Alongside a GB squad there will be British riders competing in the colors of trade teams 100% ME, Sky+ HD and Plowman Craven." To read more, please, visit - BBC SPORT | Cycling

Busy Time for Brits in World Cup Final Training

Manchester World Track Cup Ready For Action

With the competition for the first round of the 2008/09 World Track Cup series kicking off at Manchester tomorrow, everything is place for the racing to begin in earnest. Teams have now arrived and the final training is taking place through out the day at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester. To read more, please, visit - British-cycling

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Solar-Powered Rickshaw Unveiled in India

2008-10-18T08:40:00.009+05:30

Soleckshaw:

If you walk down the streets of Delhi, India, you’ll probably notice the multitude of pedal-driven rickshaws. And while some may protest that the rickshaws—mostly driven by migrants from poor Indian states—are uncivilized, the new Soleckshaw could make rickshaws palatable even to human rights activists.

The Soleckshaw, which is currently being tested in Old Delhi, can either be pedaled or run off of a 36-volt battery that is charged every 45 miles from a solar charging station. The prototype isn’t too shabby, either— it seats three and has electric lights, an FM radio, four mobile phone chargers, and can travel at 12 and a half miles per hour. Additionally, it can go uphill. To read more, please, visit - CleanTechnica

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Electric bike offers green urban commuting option

2008-08-07T18:07:00.003+05:30

"This feels very strange.

I'm riding down an alley in San Francisco, pedaling as you would on any bicycle. Each time I put my foot down, the bike presses on a little further. It's all very normal.

But then, with the flick of a switch on the bike's handlebars, it shoots forward with a strong, smooth, motorized thrust. Quickly, I've hit 20 miles an hour.

This isn't normal anymore.

This is Ultra Motor's A2B, a $2,500, zero-emissions scooter that just happens to also be an electric bike"
Electric bike offers green urban commuting option | Geek Gestalt - by Daniel Terdiman - CNET News.com

Related Story:

UK-based Ultra Motors launches a high-range electric scooter, Marathon, priced at Rs 31,047 in India, which travels 100 km on a single charge

cycle bicycle cycle2work Pune cycle2work blog Electric bike green urban commuting Ultra Motor\'s A2B zero-emissions UK-based Ultra Motors Marathon, high-range electric scooter

Bicycle Safety

2008-08-07T17:55:00.000+05:30

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Bicycle riding is fun, healthy, and a great way to be independent.

But it is important to remember that a bicycle is not a toy; it's a vehicle! Be cool - follow some basic safety tips when you ride.
101 CDOS Week 11: Bicycle Safety

cycle bicycle cycle2work Pune cycle2work blog Bicycle Safety

To conserve energy and cut carbon emissions, Tainan city government, Taiwan, announces every Friday as "Bicycle Day"

2008-08-07T17:42:00.000+05:30

Hope Pune Municipal Corporation does something like this!

But we do not have to wait for PMC to announce! We can decided to use cycle at least one day in a week! Problems? They are same every where. In even in Taiwan! Read the news and you will say "Who is talking? Me?":

The city government said 51 percent of its employees have indicated that they will be able to participate in "bicycle day," while 49 percent said that they will have difficulty doing so.

Those who said they will have difficulty cited reasons such as frequent bicycle thefts, lack of bus stops near their homes, the need to use cars to transport their children to and from school, long distances to the city government offices and the inability to ride a bicycle.

Some female employees said they were unwilling to walk or ride bicycles to work because of personal safety concerns, while others pointed to the poor quality of the city's roads.

- The China Post

cycle bicycle cycle2work Pune cycle2work blog bicycle day Tainan, Taiwan

Ravi Karandeekar's Pune Cycle2Work Blog

One-Ways on FC and JM roads - But who'll think of the pedestrians?

PMC set to roll out work on final development of JM, FC roads

Traffic Trouble: Training for officials to come up with new ideas

3 years on, Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) still to gain momentum

PCMC to re-install 50 bus shelters with toilet blocks for men and women and a telephone booth

Bus Shelters on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis:

AC buses run on CNG may be distant dream for PMPML

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Pune Metropolitan Transport Authority in 2 months

Move to tackle traffic congestion:

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A hybrid year for auto!

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World Bank to help improve Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited

Having agreed to work with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to assess projects like the metro and the mono rail as well as offering Rs 100 crore for non-motorised transport initiatives, the World Bank (WB) has now decided to also help improve the civic public transport facilities

How to bring about qualitative changes in the public transport facilities?

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Pune Municipal Corporation to speed up the work on the cycle track along the Bus Rapid Transit System pilot route of Swargate-Katraj-Hadapsar

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Railways plans to run local trains between Pune and Lonavla every 15 minutes during selected hours

Divisional Railway Manager D K Jain:

March 31, 2009:

Between Lonavala and Daund!:

12 coaches:

"Why not one train every five minutes?"

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Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation to construct the longest flyover in Pune district near the Empire Estate in Chinchwad

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Railway Protection Force plans to implement an integrated security scheme at Pune railway station

Rs 4.5 crore advanced security system:

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KLAUS Multiparking and Automag in JV to set up Pune facility

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Pune-Satara highway, including Katraj-Dehu road bypass now to have six lanes and a few flyovers!

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Why India’s Bus Rapid Transit Projects don’t excite me - Dr Adhiraj Joglekar

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To discourage private vehicles from congesting roads - increase parking fee and decrease parking duration

PMC civic administration Vs. Civic general body

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Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation to take a loan of Rs 350 crore from the Asian Development Bank to start a Bus Rapid Transit System service

Rs 1,300 crore for 6 Routes:

Repayment in 15 years:

Social and Environmental impact:

Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission scheme:

Urban Mass Transit Company Limited:

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Sunita Narain: Buses and Barack Obama

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Chinese Bicycle Museum officially opens

Largest bicycle museum:

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British Olympic stars get back on track

Most of Great Britain's Olympic medalists return to action in Manchester on Friday, in the first of the World Cup Classics series.

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Solar-Powered Rickshaw Unveiled in India

Soleckshaw:

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Electric bike offers green urban commuting option

Bicycle Safety

To conserve energy and cut carbon emissions, Tainan city government, Taiwan, announces every Friday as "Bicycle Day"

Hope Pune Municipal Corporation does something like this!