Ok everyone. I am dropping my pseudo-literary stance and putting on my social entrepreneur hat. Here’s what I want to do:
1)Get people who can afford to, to donate their cycles.
2)Repair those cycles.
3)Stack these at cycle stands in different parts of Singapore. There’s a nice under-used one at Bukit Batok that is just right, for example.
4)You can rent the cycle for 24 hours, paying 1 dollar per 24 hours. You need to register your IC and please do not keep the cycle permanently!
5)I call it the “Cycle everyday” movement. This does not compete with the chaps on East Coast Park.
6)Over time we will replicate the Paris model and hopefully get people to cycle in the CBD as well! Well, maybe a few!Also, very keen to extend this plan to KL, Delhi, and a few other Asian cities where it makes sense. People will be able to get high end cycles as well and pay via nets, cards and so on. Naturally, those will cost more. Right now, begin small and humble.
7)This will become a social enterprise, with underprivileged people manning the booths and maintaining the cycles. Stakeholders will get equity and earn a share of profits. The cycles will be used to build innovative transport solutions in places outside Singapore, such as eco-pushcarts, vehicles for the handicapped and so on. Sponsors will be invited to bankroll the “easy cycle” movement. Inside singapore, the destitute will be given free cycles, once we can find ways to sustain.
It is targetted at those who find buying a cycle too expensive and can use the same for commuting to and fro the MRT, your local grocery, school as well as for going around town. It focusses on popularising the use of bicycles across all socioeconomic strata. As a practical transport option, a fun vehicle and a exercise bike. Local govt will need to support to make this happen.
I can’t do it on my own-so I need support. Angel funding,cycle donations, volunteer manpower, civil servants-who’s interested? I am also keen to talk to people with ideas who can comment and add to my plan.
Like the man said, Stay hungry, stay foolish. (right quote?)
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