Bike Taxi Riders Rally in Bengaluru, Demand Policy and Livelihood Restoration
“No income, no food, no future” — riders from across Karnataka raise their voices against the ban, calling it a matter of survival, not just employment.
Bengaluru | June 21, 2025 — More than 5,000 bike taxi riders from eight cities across Karnataka converged at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Friday, urging the state government to lift the ban on bike taxis and introduce a fair, regulated policy. Desperate and displaced, the riders described the ban as a direct assault on their livelihoods, dignity, and ability to provide for their families.
Hailing from Mysuru, Mandya, Hassan, Davangere, Tumakuru, Ramanagara, Shivamogga, and Kanakapura, the riders undertook long journeys to the state capital to deliver a unified message: “Let us work. Let us survive.”
A Crisis of Survival
The government’s prohibition on bike taxis has severely affected nearly 6 lakh riders across Karnataka, according to representatives of the riders’ unions. With no alternative income and limited opportunities, many families now struggle to afford basic needs like food, rent, and school fees.
“Before the ban, I could at least earn enough to run my family. Now, there’s no income at all, and each day feels like a battle for survival,” said Ramesh, a rider from Tumakuru. “We went without food for days, and I don’t even have money to pay my children’s school fees. How are we supposed to live like this?”
For many riders, the loss of income is just the beginning. Ravi, a rider from Mysuru, explained:
“My wife and two children are completely dependent on me. I’m behind on rent, electricity bills are piling up, and I’ve been borrowing money just to survive. This ban hasn’t just taken our jobs — it has stripped us of our dignity.”
Public Suffers Too
While riders face income insecurity, commuters are also bearing the brunt of the ban. Bike taxis once offered affordable and fast mobility — especially in congested urban areas. Without them, passengers now endure costlier fares, longer wait times, and fewer options.
“It’s not just our problem,” said Priya, a rider from Mandya. “The public relied on bike taxis. This is about keeping our families alive and helping people travel affordably. We need a government that listens — before it’s too late.”
Riders Call for Fair and Regulated Policy
The protesting riders are not demanding an unconditional return of services but a regulated policy framework that ensures safety, accountability, and operational standards. They emphasized that Karnataka, a leading tech and innovation hub, cannot lag behind when 19 other Indian states have already adopted policies allowing bike taxis to function lawfully and efficiently.
“We are not against rules,” said one rider leader. “We’re ready to comply with any safety or licensing requirements. All we ask is a chance to work again.”
According to the riders, a clear and fair policy will provide legal cover, operational regulation, and protect the livelihoods of lakhs while offering the public a valuable commuting option.
Political and Policy Vacuum
Despite increasing reliance on gig-based services and rapid urban mobility needs, Karnataka remains among the few states without a coherent policy on bike taxis. Protesters questioned the delay, especially when cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Pune have already regulated such services.
“Why is Karnataka, a progressive state, failing to introduce a basic mobility policy that exists in so many other parts of India?” one protest organizer asked. “We demand justice, not charity.”
Peaceful Rally, Pressing Message
Friday’s rally remained peaceful, but the message was urgent. Riders carried placards, raised slogans, and submitted petitions at the gates of Vidhana Soudha, asking for immediate policy intervention.
They believe that the rally — which brought together voices from across the state — will force the government to respond. “This isn’t just about jobs,” said one rider. “This is about restoring broken lives. We’re willing to follow rules, but first, let us work.”
Key Highlights
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Over 5,000 bike taxi riders from across Karnataka gathered in Bengaluru to protest the ongoing ban and demand a proper policy framework.
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The ban has impacted nearly 6 lakh riders, pushing many into deep financial crisis, unable to afford food or education for their children.
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Commuters are also affected by the lack of affordable and fast mobility options, especially in congested urban areas.
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Riders are urging the government to emulate the 19 other Indian states that already have policies allowing regulated bike taxi operations.
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Protesters insist that they are ready to comply with any rules or guidelines but need the legal right to earn a living and maintain their dignity.
This protest marks a growing tension between evolving urban livelihoods and the state’s regulatory inaction. With livelihoods at stake and public mobility affected, the Karnataka government faces rising pressure to address the crisis with both empathy and policy clarity.
✅ QUOTES FROM RIDERS
“Each day feels like a struggle to survive. No income, no food, no hope.”
— Ramesh, bike taxi rider from Tumakuru
“We are not asking for charity. Just give us a chance to work with dignity.”
— Ravi, rider from Mysuru
“This ban hasn’t just taken our jobs — it has stolen our self-respect.”
— Ravi, Mysuru
“Without bike taxis, we’re pushed into hunger, debt, and despair.”
— Priya, rider from Mandya
“Why should Karnataka lag behind when 19 other states have regulated bike taxis?”
— A protesting rider in Bengaluru
“This is about survival, not convenience. Regulate us, don’t erase us.”
— Anonymous rider leader
❓Q & A
Q: What are you demanding from the government today?
Ramesh (Tumakuru): “We want the government to bring a fair policy that lets us work again. We’re ready to follow rules — just don’t leave us jobless.”
Q: How has the ban affected your daily life?
Priya (Mandya): “We’ve had days without food. My children are missing school. This is not just a job loss — it’s a survival crisis.”
Q: Why do you think Karnataka hasn’t brought in a bike taxi policy yet?
Ravi (Mysuru): “We don’t know. If 19 states can regulate bike taxis, what’s stopping Karnataka? Are our lives less important?”
Q: What if the government brings strict regulations?
Rider Leader: “We welcome regulations. Just give us legal status and dignity. We’ll follow every rule — but we need to work.”
