Police staff are trying to disperse the cycling riders who gathered on Saturday in front of a for example in Bengalur for a Peace Protest. | Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar
On Saturday, in Bengalur in Bengalur, more than 5,000 riders gathered by bike from Karnataka, Bengalur in Bengalur. Demonstrators demanded the right political framework to operate taxis by bicycle in the state.
They argued that the suspension of services on bikes left around 6 riders in despair and took a bike.
The protest was attended by riders from various districts, including Mysur, Mandy, Hassan, Davangere, Tumacuru, Bengaluru South and Shivamogg. Some of the protesters were detained by the police of Vishan Judhan and released later.
“When I was a taxi driver for bicycles, I easily earned 2,500 GBP per day. I have worked as an agent for food supply since the ban was saved and I could only earn around 800 – 900 GBP per day. He said he was working as a bike rider before the ban.
“Depending on me, I have two children and my wife, and now I don’t know how to manage myself. The rent is delayed, the electricity law accumulates and borrow money just to keep things going.
Demonstrators urged the government to bring a proper policy that allows them to return to work while concerning concerns about security and regulation. They pointed out that bike taxis are an important part of the state transport system and provide jobs for thousands.
With the right rules, bike taxis can still benefit everyone, they said. They also stressed that 19 other countries in India have already established taxi policies, allowing them to function safely and efficiently.
“It’s been a week since the introduction of a ban and I feel I don’t have any work,” said Rajkumar UpepPphyaya, a taxi rider on a bike from Bengalur. He said he was ready to follow any rules that the government sets out if it means that it can continue their work. “If I am asked to use a yellow board, I am also ready for it. I am ready if the government introduces uniforms for bike riders.”
He also said, “He honestly asks the government to allow me to continue working. It is not easy to find new jobs. Earn even 20,000 GBP in Bengalur is not easy.”
Many riders said they were waiting for the hearing of the Karnataka High Court, which is scheduled for June 24th and hopes for good news.
Published – June 21, 2025 21:20
