Green mobility with bicycles

Across the world, including in smaller cities and towns, bicycles and small scooters are available for rent on an hourly basis. This initiative has gained momentum in recent times due to the emphasis placed on green mobility because it helps people avoid private vehicles. Cycling for an hour or two is also a good exercise option and it will help people who are usually confined to car seats and office chairs most of the day.

The same initiative should be successfully implemented on a large scale in the Sultanate of Oman, primarily by offering opportunities to small and medium businesses. Instead of depending on foreign companies, young Omanis should be provided with the infrastructure and investment to start such a business, which will surely be one of the strongest initiatives in our fight against climate change, global warming, and carbon emissions.

Some may argue that the scorching sun in the Sultanate of Oman for most of the year offers a limited window of opportunity for cycle rides, but there is still some scope as both residents and citizens of the Sultanate of Oman do spend a good amount on subscription fees for gyms. Speaking to the Observer, a few citizens who just returned from vacations abroad during the summer said they wonder why we do not have bicycle rentals here when they are available in the smallest towns of most countries in Europe.

Moshen, a public sector employee, is one of them. He said, “Despite the talk on eco-friendliness, people here in the Sultanate of Oman are not ready to give up their private vehicles on one side, and on the other side, there are few efforts to provide them with an efficient alternative such as electric bicycles and electric scooters for rent. The climate here does not advocate for non-air-conditioned mobility all the time, but certainly, we can provide such facilities at parks and waterfronts in the evenings through app-based payment services, as it is the trend in the world.”

The authorities should also set up dedicated cycling tracks near schools in residential areas so that students can opt for bicycle rides instead of being picked up and dropped off in private cars and buses. A few years back, Muscat Municipality had initiated an O’Bike self-service bicycle service in Muttrah Waterfront, and it received a good response from youngsters in particular. “Such services should be launched on a large scale across the city, encouraging people to walk and ride during their walks.” Sources in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) said that new upcoming townships, including the larger ones like the Sustainable Yiti Project, will have dedicated tracks that will give a boost to bicycle rental services.

Green activists argue that trips made by adults are generally for household errands and typically require less than 2 to 3 km of travel. People can be encouraged to go green by resorting to bicycles and electric bikes by placing them at strategic locations for a small price.