Gone are those days when the traffic ( and stress) was on the manageable side and didn't leave one searching for all possible alternatives to get from point A to point B.
But Shariq Rahman and Benny Joseph figured that one of the ways to tackle this urban problem was to embrace their love for cycling and use this means of conveyance as much as they can. "We ride fixed-gear bikes and we realised that it is much easier to commute around the city in this way. While it usually takes about 60 minutes to travel from Frazer Town to Koramangala, I can reach in 30 minutes when I'm riding the cycle," explains Shariq.
As the biking community in the city is growing, the duo decided to open 'Life Behind Bars Cycle' which will have everything a biker would need — from selling bicycles and gears to providing a hang out spot and even a delivery service.
Shariq says, "We are opening a cafe where other riders can hang out and relax. As there are people in all age groups who enjoy riding, they can come to our store and purchase bicycles that would fit their budget. Our motto is to be eco-friendly and promote the culture of bike riding in the city."
The duo has collaborated with other startups who merchandise the products for their store. "We're starting a line that will include everything any biker would need. It would range from apparel and bags to sunglasses, safety gear and more. As I have a background in product designing and Benny has worked with many startups before, the collaboration is slightly stress-free," he says. They also want to change the mentality of 'cycling is the new golf' and make it friendly for everyone in the city. Shariq explains, "Two weeks ago, we conducted an event where a few cyclists came for a Thursday night ride. It was a social gathering after which we hung out and explored the streets of Bengaluru. The event also showcased some of the cycles that we will be launching soon."
The team will also have 20 riders around the city who are going to be bike messengers. "There may be instances where you forget your sunglasses or laptop at home. You might even want food delivered to your office or a letter hand delivered to someone who lives in the city. The bike messengers, when alerted through an app we have, will be present at your location and will deliver it to the destination within 30 minutes," says Shariq, adding that they are spreading the word on social media. He says, "We want to create a culture where one thinks of cycling not just as a fitness method but also as a travel method. We have to be responsible for the carbon footprint that we leave. And with the help of a bicycle, you don't have to worry about battery, charging or any such problem. It will be about you and your bike."
![]( "unique concept Members of 'Life Behind Bars Cycle' also serve the public as messengers.")
Gone are those days when the traffic ( and stress) was on the manageable side and didn’t leave one searching for all possible alternatives to get from point A to point B.
But Shariq Rahman and Benny Joseph figured that one of the ways to tackle this urban problem was to embrace their love for cycling and use this means of conveyance as much as they can. "We ride fixed-gear bikes and we realised that it is much easier to commute around the city in this way. While it usually takes about 60 minutes to travel from Frazer Town to Koramangala, I can reach in 30 minutes when I’m riding the cycle,” explains Shariq.
As the biking community in the city is growing, the duo decided to open 'Life Behind Bars Cycle’ which will have everything a biker would need — from selling bicycles and gears to providing a hang out spot and even a delivery service.
Shariq says, "We are opening a cafe where other riders can hang out and relax. As there are people in all age groups who enjoy riding, they can come to our store and purchase bicycles that would fit their budget. Our motto is to be eco-friendly and promote the culture of bike riding in the city.”
The duo has collaborated with other startups who merchandise the products for their store. "We’re starting a line that will include everything any biker would need. It would range from apparel and bags to sunglasses, safety gear and more. As I have a background in product designing and Benny has worked with many startups before, the collaboration is slightly stress-free,” he says. They also want to change the mentality of 'cycling is the new golf’ and make it friendly for everyone in the city. Shariq explains, "Two weeks ago, we conducted an event where a few cyclists came for a Thursday night ride. It was a social gathering after which we hung out and explored the streets of Bengaluru. The event also showcased some of the cycles that we will be launching soon.”
The team will also have 20 riders around the city who are going to be bike messengers. "There may be instances where you forget your sunglasses or laptop at home. You might even want food delivered to your office or a letter hand delivered to someone who lives in the city. The bike messengers, when alerted through an app we have, will be present at your location and will deliver it to the destination within 30 minutes,” says Shariq, adding that they are spreading the word on social media. He says, "We want to create a culture where one thinks of cycling not just as a fitness method but also as a travel method. We have to be responsible for the carbon footprint that we leave. And with the help of a bicycle, you don’t have to worry about battery, charging or any such problem. It will be about you and your bike.”
But Shariq Rahman and Benny Joseph figured that one of the ways to tackle this urban problem was to embrace their love for cycling and use this means of conveyance as much as they can. "We ride fixed-gear bikes and we realised that it is much easier to commute around the city in this way. While it usually takes about 60 minutes to travel from Frazer Town to Koramangala, I can reach in 30 minutes when I'm riding the cycle," explains Shariq.
As the biking community in the city is growing, the duo decided to open 'Life Behind Bars Cycle' which will have everything a biker would need — from selling bicycles and gears to providing a hang out spot and even a delivery service.
Shariq says, "We are opening a cafe where other riders can hang out and relax. As there are people in all age groups who enjoy riding, they can come to our store and purchase bicycles that would fit their budget. Our motto is to be eco-friendly and promote the culture of bike riding in the city."
The duo has collaborated with other startups who merchandise the products for their store. "We're starting a line that will include everything any biker would need. It would range from apparel and bags to sunglasses, safety gear and more. As I have a background in product designing and Benny has worked with many startups before, the collaboration is slightly stress-free," he says. They also want to change the mentality of 'cycling is the new golf' and make it friendly for everyone in the city. Shariq explains, "Two weeks ago, we conducted an event where a few cyclists came for a Thursday night ride. It was a social gathering after which we hung out and explored the streets of Bengaluru. The event also showcased some of the cycles that we will be launching soon."
The team will also have 20 riders around the city who are going to be bike messengers. "There may be instances where you forget your sunglasses or laptop at home. You might even want food delivered to your office or a letter hand delivered to someone who lives in the city. The bike messengers, when alerted through an app we have, will be present at your location and will deliver it to the destination within 30 minutes," says Shariq, adding that they are spreading the word on social media. He says, "We want to create a culture where one thinks of cycling not just as a fitness method but also as a travel method. We have to be responsible for the carbon footprint that we leave. And with the help of a bicycle, you don't have to worry about battery, charging or any such problem. It will be about you and your bike."
Gone are those days when the traffic ( and stress) was on the manageable side and didn’t leave one searching for all possible alternatives to get from point A to point B. But Shariq Rahman and Benny Joseph figured that one of the ways to tackle this urban problem was to embrace their love for cycling and use this means of conveyance as much as they can. "We ride fixed-gear bikes and we realised that it is much easier to commute around the city in this way. While it usually takes about 60 minutes to travel from Frazer Town to Koramangala, I can reach in 30 minutes when I’m riding the cycle,” explains Shariq.
As the biking community in the city is growing, the duo decided to open 'Life Behind Bars Cycle’ which will have everything a biker would need — from selling bicycles and gears to providing a hang out spot and even a delivery service.
Shariq says, "We are opening a cafe where other riders can hang out and relax. As there are people in all age groups who enjoy riding, they can come to our store and purchase bicycles that would fit their budget. Our motto is to be eco-friendly and promote the culture of bike riding in the city.”
The duo has collaborated with other startups who merchandise the products for their store. "We’re starting a line that will include everything any biker would need. It would range from apparel and bags to sunglasses, safety gear and more. As I have a background in product designing and Benny has worked with many startups before, the collaboration is slightly stress-free,” he says. They also want to change the mentality of 'cycling is the new golf’ and make it friendly for everyone in the city. Shariq explains, "Two weeks ago, we conducted an event where a few cyclists came for a Thursday night ride. It was a social gathering after which we hung out and explored the streets of Bengaluru. The event also showcased some of the cycles that we will be launching soon.”
The team will also have 20 riders around the city who are going to be bike messengers. "There may be instances where you forget your sunglasses or laptop at home. You might even want food delivered to your office or a letter hand delivered to someone who lives in the city. The bike messengers, when alerted through an app we have, will be present at your location and will deliver it to the destination within 30 minutes,” says Shariq, adding that they are spreading the word on social media. He says, "We want to create a culture where one thinks of cycling not just as a fitness method but also as a travel method. We have to be responsible for the carbon footprint that we leave. And with the help of a bicycle, you don’t have to worry about battery, charging or any such problem. It will be about you and your bike.”