'The foundation is seeking funds for a project that will allow employees of IT and IT-enabled services, who get off buses at the HP entrance or the Infosys gate of Electronic City, to continue their journey to office on a bike,' said Raju.

The plan is to introduce 500 cycles initially, and then expand the numbers depending on the response.

The main grouse of cyclists across the city is that riding a bicycle on Bangalore's busy roads is difficult and dangerous.

'But if dedicated cycling lanes are provided, many enthusiasts may be ready to use them. Dedicated lanes will ensure safer journey for the cyclists,' said Raju.

The foundation has already sent a memorandum to the city's administration to make cycling lanes mandatory in the city. 'We hope our request will be attended soon,' added Raju.

Cycles constitute 15 percent of the traffic on Bangalore roads.

According to figures available with Bangalore Police, the city of seven million has 3.4 million vehicles. Of them 70 percent are two-wheelers, 15 percent cars, 10 percent buses and five percent auto-rickshaws.

On an average 4,000 vehicles from neighbouring states and other places pass through the city roads daily. Every month, 25,000 new vehicles are being registered in the city, according to figures with the traffic police.

(Maitreyee Boruah can be contacted at m.boruah@ians.in)