Kumaraguru College of Technology launched dock free bicycle-sharing platform Ofo Bicycles on its campus here today.

Coimbatore Municipal Corporation Commissioner K Vijayakarthikeyan flagged off the event this morning.

This is the first venture of Ofo Bicycles in India, which claims to be world’s first and leading dockless bicycle sharing platform, operated using a mobile app. This is the pilot project of the company and under the initiative about 100 bicycles will be deployed across the campus. Students and staff can make use of the bicycle to commute within the campus.

Vijayakarthikeyan flagging off the event said, “We have plans to replicate this model across the city, thus promoting a green mode of transport in Coimbatore. Cycle-sharing complements our Smart City efforts, given its affordable and low carbon footprint.” He added that model roads are planned in the city which would have separate bicycle lanes.

“Unlike other schemes of the corporation, the bicycle-sharing system will bring in a change in the transportation habits of Coimbatoreans and bicycles are a sustainable, environment-friendly mode of transportation.”

Ofo Director of Public Policy and Communications Rajarshi Sahai said through this pilot project they were aiming to provide people with a taste of an ‘easy-to-use’ bicycle-sharing experience and also educate them on various benefits associated with cycling.