Over 5,000 bike taxi riders march in Bengaluru, urge government to lift ban

Bengaluru: More than 5,000 professional bike taxi riders from across Karnataka took out a massive rally in Bengaluru on Saturday (June 21), urging the government to immediately withdraw the complete ban on bike taxi services and implement a proper regulatory policy.

Riders from districts including Mysuru, Mandya, Hassan, Davanagere, Tumakuru, Ramanagara, Shivamogga, and Kanakapura participated in the peaceful protest near Vidhana Soudha. The protestors said bike taxi services are not just a job, but a means of survival.

“Before the ban, we were earning enough to support our families. Now, there’s no income, and we are struggling every day. We can’t afford food, and school fees for our children are pending. The ban has disrupted the lives of over six lakh people in Karnataka who depend on bike taxis for their livelihood,” several riders said during the protest.

On Thursday, a team of 110 bike taxi riders representing their association submitted a memorandum to Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, requesting legal recognition for bike taxi services.

Citing the absence of a clear regulatory framework, the Karnataka High Court had upheld the government’s earlier decision to declare the operations of bike taxis like Rapido, Ola, and Uber Moto as illegal. Following the court’s refusal to overturn the ruling, the ban officially came into effect on June 16.