Pedal power

Updated on: Monday, February 07, 2011

Cycle Chalao!' was the winning project at a recent worldwide initiative. Selected from among 39 proposals from all over the world, it is the brainchild of three students pursuing their MBA in social entrepreneurship from the Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies ( NMIMS), Social Entrepreneurship Cell, Mumbai. The project promotes cycling in India by adding bike-sharing systems to mainstream public transportation. The aim is
to curb increasing levels of air and noise pollution.

The winning team — Rajkumar Janagam, Jui Gangan and Jyotika Bhatia — found out about the Globally Responsible Leadership Initiative (GRLI) and Net Impact challenge through friends and while browsing the internet.

A team-based competition, the challenge invites innovative ideas on how to take personal and shared responsibility to a new level through business leadership and action. GRLI, founded by EFMD (a management development network) and United Nations Global Compact, is a member of the Steering Committee of the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRiME).

Vehicle emissions are responsible for 70% of India's air pollution and the World Health Organisation (WHO) ranks Mumbai among the top-10 polluted cities. Elaborating on the initiative, Rajkumar says, by promoting cycling as an alternative choice for commuting short distances, it aims to give people an economical and eco-friendly option to travel. Bike sharing stations are being established at key traffic locations like railway stations, bus depots, colleges and corporate parks. Revenues are generated through rental subscriptions and advertisements over bike stations and bikes.

The competition was a learning experience for Rajkumar, Jui and Jyotika. "We had to design a good business plan with real estimates and projections, while keeping the social impact in mind," says Rajkumar.
As to the challenges of the project, Jyotika adds, "Feasibility, market potential, existing alternatives and quantified traffic conditions posed the first challenge while we started our market research. Besides, sourcing funds to test the idea was tough. Further, common perception that cycling in India is not possible due to infrastructure and climate proved to be a hurdle when it came to convincing potential investors."

The winners will present their project at the GRLI General Assembly in Melbourne, Australia, from March 2 to 4.

Times of India

Pedal power

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