Patna zoo director Abhay Kumar (centre) takes a cycle ride in the park on Tuesday. Picture by Nagendra Kumar Singh

Patna, March 1: Going around the Patna zoo greens has become a cakewalk, oops pedalling work. Now you can hire a bicycle to enjoy its flora and fauna spread over 153 acres.

The Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park authorities today rolled out 16 bicycles for hire. They will be available on rent for Rs 10 per hour.

“The initiative is a part of our efforts to introduce environment-friendly modes of transport inside the zoo. It will provide visitors a hassle-free ride without causing any problem to animals,” zoo director Abhay Kumar told The Telegraph.

The move is likely to have many takers as one has to walk around 8km for visiting all parts of the zoo. The bicycles would make things easier for those not willing to walk that far.

Those willing to hire a bicycle would have to produce an identity proof. “The identity proof has been made mandatory for safety reasons,” Kumar said.

Of the 16 bicycles, four are exclusively for ladies. Even a sari- clad woman can ride them without any difficulty. Keeping the height factor in mind, bicycles of 22”, 20” and 18” have been rolled out on rent. The zoo officials have also taken into account the problems that may arise after introduction of this service.

A fine of Rs 250 would be imposed on those misusing the hired bicycles.

“Things like double-riding, cycling on pavements meant for walkers and entering the flower beds are prohibited. Those found to be indulging in such acts would have to cough up fine,” said the zoo director, adding repairing cost would be realised from defaulters messing up with bicycles.

Total 40 guards would keep vigil on those riding bicycles to ensure they do not cause any problem for those willing to move on foot.

“We will be keeping a close watch on the response of visitors to this new service. If the demand peaks, more bicycles will be pressed into service,” Kumar said.

Bicycles apart, the Patna zoo authorities have also taken steps to introduce battery-operated vehicles for giving yet another option to the visitors for moving around the zoo.

“Things have moved positively on this front. In all likelihood, the service of battery-operated vehicles will be available in a month,” Kumar said, adding this service would be outsourced to a private player.

The zoo director also said the plan of making the zoo premises a polythene-free zone was also on the track.