Jobike: an alternative to rickshaws on Dhaka roads

Jobike is an on-demand bike sharing service. It gives everyone the opportunity to make short trips easily within their coverage areas.

This month, the authorities decided to ban rickshaws from three main roads of Dhaka city. These were: Progoti Sharani from Kuril to Sayedabad via Rampura and Khilgaon; Mirpur road from Gabtoli to Azimpur; and Elephant road from Science Laboratory to Shahbagh.

Following the strike of rickshaw-pullers, this decision was changed however. A commuter who uses rickshaws regularly told me soon after, "Such bans, without ensuring any alternative transportation system against rickshaw, will only increase our sufferings."

In this situation, Jobike can be a great alternative. These are normal bicycles that occupy very little space on the roads. Also it is an eco-friendly transport mode and provides its users with health benefits.

Initially, 50 Jobikes were launched in Cox's Bazar. They later extended their services to Jahangirnagar University with 100 Jobikes along with 50 more in Chattogram University. Jobike is soon going to be launched in Dhaka as well.

To use a Jobike, only Tk 1.00 needs to be paid per minute. Jobike can be a great alternative to rickshaws. Maybe, the city corporations can consider having a separate lane for bicycles on the main roads.

Tabassum Tamanna

East West University

tamannatabassum430@gmail.com