Cubbon Park Cycling Craze: Bengaluru's Viral Weekend Phenomenon Explained
In the heart of Bengaluru, a quiet corner of Cubbon Park has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two months. What was once a modest cycling initiative has exploded into one of the city's most sought-after weekend destinations, with young enthusiasts lining up for hours to rent bicycles—many leaving disappointed as demand far outstrips supply.
The Viral Spark Behind the Cycling Surge
The cycling activity itself isn't new to Cubbon Park. The Bengaluru Cycle Trails initiative has operated near the Hudson Circle gate since 2019 through a collaboration between the tourism department, horticulture department, and the Namma Nimma Cycle Foundation. However, recent social media reels showcasing leisurely rides through the park's shaded avenues have dramatically amplified interest, creating what foundation CEO HR Murali describes as "unprecedented demand."
"When we began, ridership was modest," Murali explained. "Over the last couple of years, we saw about 60–80 trips on Saturdays and 90–100 on Sundays. Now Sundays record nearly 200 trips and Saturdays around 100–120." The surge is particularly noticeable on second and fourth Saturdays when vehicular traffic is restricted inside the park, drawing even larger crowds.
Meeting Overwhelming Demand
The popularity has created significant logistical challenges. Approximately 350 visitors now reach the rental stations on weekends, but only about 200 manage to secure bicycles. To address this gap, the fleet has expanded from 35 to 60 cycles, with plans to add 50 more in the near future.
For just Rs 50 per hour, visitors can rent bicycles on Saturdays and Sundays between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM, enjoying the park's tranquil environment away from Bengaluru's notorious traffic. The initiative represents more than just recreation—it's become a social phenomenon with a distinct demographic shift.
Changing Rider Profiles and Urban Implications
Murali notes a striking transformation in who's participating: "A large number are young women aged 17 to 25 years who come with groups of friends. For many, this is a space to enjoy freedom and fitness. We also see families arriving together, even with grandparents."
Perhaps most telling is where riders are traveling from—distant neighborhoods like Whitefield and Yelahanka, suggesting a city-wide hunger for safe public cycling and walking spaces. "This demonstrates Bengaluru's critical shortage of accessible recreational areas," Murali observed.
Government Support and Future Expansion
The initiative enjoys strong institutional backing. "This was initiated by the tourism department, and we helped with space and other arrangements," said M Jagadeesh, joint director of parks and gardens in the horticulture department. "The foundation takes care of the operations."
With Cubbon Park and Lalbagh currently bearing most of the demand, the foundation hopes to eventually expand the model to other locations like GKVK and additional parts of the city. Regarding the e-cycle renting initiative in Lalbagh, Jagadeesh noted that after a successful pilot program, the department plans to call a tender for full-scale implementation, though the program is currently paused during this transition period.
Social Media Echoes Ground Reality
Online reactions perfectly mirror the enthusiasm witnessed at the park. Commenting on reels showing extensive waiting lines, one Instagram user wrote that the scenes provided "more proof that Bengalureans yearn for cycle lanes and walkable cities," while another satisfied rider declared the wait "totally worth it."
This cycling phenomenon represents more than just a weekend trend—it highlights Bengaluru's growing demand for accessible urban recreation and sustainable transportation options. As the city continues to grapple with traffic congestion and limited green spaces, initiatives like Bengaluru Cycle Trails offer both respite and a vision for a more pedestrian-friendly urban future.
