| Danial Norjidi |
A NEW way of getting around the capital could potentially be taking shape, as a group of students is working on establishing the first bicycle-sharing system in Brunei.
Dubbed ‘Biskal Kitani’, this bike-sharing system is looking to make it easier for people to get around Bandar Seri Begawan at an affordable price.
Biskal Kitani is a creation of Politeknik Brunei students Dayangku Siti ‘Atiyah Syakirah binti Pengiran Muhd Hassan, Raliza binti Rais, Amal Hamizah binti Hasnan, Dayangku Nur Radhiah binti Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman, Dayangku Nor Hadiatul Hadirah binti Pengiran Idris and Dayangku Hajah Seri Rosdina Norazlina As-Sabrina binti Pengiran Dr Haji Rosman.
It was featured at a recent entrepreneurship exhibition organised by Politeknik Brunei, where students get to put their entrepreneurial ideas on display.
Speaking to the Bulletin during the exhibition, they shared, “It is potentially the first bike-sharing system in Brunei.”
“We are planning to put this Biskal Kitani service in Bandar Seri Begawan, initially at four stations. Under the service, you can rent a bicycle for four hours and unlimited distance for just $2, and simply have to return it to any of the four designated stations after you have finished using it.”
The students from Politeknik Brunei that came up with Biskal Kitani. – AZROL AZMI
Explaining why they decided to do this, they said, “Firstly is because Brunei is one of the top countries that emit carbon dioxide per capita, so we would like to reduce that. We would also like to reduce traffic jams, as the usage of cars is very high. And moreover, the oil prices, so we’d like to reduce the usage and consumption of oil by having people utilise our service.”
They also highlighted the health benefits using their bicycle-sharing system would offer, as “because people will be exercising”. In addition, they are looking to make the service open 24 hours.
“We also feel that this is an advantage for travellers and backpackers,” they said, highlighting that instead of having to use other forms of public transport, this will offer them a cheap way of getting around.
As for the bicycles themselves, the students said that for the introduction stage they will be using simple, regular bicycles that have GPS trackers on them. They will also be providing helmets and raincoats for users.
Explaining why they are looking to start off in the capital, they said, “This is based on our survey. We actually conducted a survey in Bandar and online. Eighty per cent of respondents said that we should have this service, especially in Bandar Seri Begawan.”
Their research showed that the top three places people wanted the service to be available were Bandar Seri Begawan, housing areas and central business districts (Gadong, Kiulap, etc).
While their initial plan is to have four stations in the capital, they said that they do intend to expand, “as we reach our maturity stage”.
The students affirmed that they are looking into making Biskal Kitani a reality, and are hoping to garner some investment to put towards their starting capital. Their plan is to set up automated machines at the four stations, though are also considering having the stations manned by people.
Adding on, they said, “We encourage people to cycle more instead of just driving around in their cars with air-conditioners; cycle while enjoying the surroundings of Brunei Darussalam.”
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