[ruzbehxyz]

Two-wheeler registrations at Mumbai city RTOs crossed the 1 lakh mark in 2020 despite sales plummeting during the initial Covid lockdown from the end of March to June 2020. Sales have picked up since, resulting in the overall April to December 10 period accounting for 65% of the year’s two-wheeler registrations till now. The registrations are still 50,000 short of the last year’s 1.5 lakh, though.

The density of two-wheelers in Mumbai is now 1,175 bikes per km, and their total number is close to 23.5 lakh, which is around 60% of the total number of vehicles in the city. In comparison, the number of private cars and SUVs in the city is over 11 lakh, less than half the number of two-wheelers.

A big reason why people are buying two-wheelers is affordability and low EMIs. “Many prefer keeping bikes for personal use, social distancing and safe travel during Covid. I have purchased a new motorcycle for this purpose,” said Bhavin Parmar, a Mulund resident. “A lot of women have bought two-wheelers for errands ,” said a dealer from Nahur. “These give you more mileage and occupy less road space than cars.”

Experts said a scooter or a motorcycle can also be a quicker and more manoeuvrable source of mobility. On the other hand, experts say they are also adding to the city’s traffic glut and adding to pedestrians’ discomfort. A V Shenoy from Mumbai Mobility Forum said, “I agree that bikes are a convenience. But many riders need to be disciplined and there should be stringent enforcement against those not wearing helmets, riding triple seat, speeding and lane cutting.”

Source: https://m.timesofindia.com/city/mumb...w/79671959.cms