Bengaluru bikers contest proposed flyover restrictions from September 4

Vinod Kumar, who rides from Jayanagar 9th Block to Electronics City each day, says a proposed two-wheeler ban on select high-speed flyovers could push more commuters into cars and onto already crowded surface roads.

The restrictions are proposed from September 4 and are likely to include the new Airport Road flyover, the Electronics City Elevated Corridor and other major grade separators. Traffic police say the aim is smoother traffic movement and fewer crashes on stretches where vehicles travel at high speeds.

Riders argue that a blanket restriction would penalise those who follow road rules rather than target stunt riding, overspeeding and helmet violations. Harshith BK of Bikerstroop Bengaluru said he can now cover the Electronics City flyover stretch in about 15 minutes; using roads below, with signals and traffic, could take 30 to 40 minutes.

CMR University student Riya Dev said avoiding the Airport Road flyover could add nearly an hour to her trip to college. Another rider, Shilpa Sathyanarayana, said she understood the safety rationale but noted that responsible riders would need alternative routes.

The proposal’s final list of flyovers and rules for two-wheelers will determine how many daily commutes change from September 4.