#MyBicycleStories

So here are my solutions on how technology can be leveraged to change the current customer's mindset about cycling.I present a few solutions that will not only prove convenient for customers but will also help to boost bicycle sales.

1.Publicity
   Publicity should be one of the prime To-Dos on your list if your aiming to revive the bicycle culture.
   Publicity could be done in various ways.Some of them are:

•     Digital billboards displaying the advantages of cycling.
•     Distribution of brochures on how beneficial cycling is.
•     Organise or sponsor Cyclothons in the prime cities of India ( any country).
•     Also,during such cyclothons (cycling marathons) you could provide bicycles for rent.This     would serve the same purpose a test drive does for a car,encouraging customers to buy bicycles.

• For Facebook users,invite users to like pages which would regularly display benefits of cycling.Organise contests,invite people and share cycling facts.

• For Twitter,ask users to follow pages which promote cycling.Organise contests,invite people and tweet about cycling.
• Target specific sectors of society,people going to gyms,health conscious people,travellers etc.and explain how more beneficial and easier is cycling than walking or running.

• Initiate schemes to distribute cycles at discounted prices in villages,towns where the transport system isn't good.

2.Awareness
   Awareness  takes a close second place after publicity.

• The idea is to make people aware the health hazards that could be prevented if they cycle.
• Businessmen,workers,housewives,students can all be informed how beneficial it would be if  they cycle to get to their workplace.
• Students could be encouraged to use bicycles instead of travelling by buses or private cars.
• Housewives could use cycling as an alternative to gym exercises.

3.Business plans an strategies

Business plans and strategies play a pivotal role in contributing to the sales of bicycles.

• Increase the number of bicycle manufacturing units.
• Introduce new designs regularly.
• Make bicycles for every age group with special features  for that particular group.
• Provide bicycles at affordable prices with interesting offers or discounts.
• Also provide bicycle gear for free or a discounted price on the purchase of a bicycle.

4. Fuse Cycling with Technology

So we finally come to this segment where we couple the benefits of technology with cycling to provide customer's a better cycling experience.

• Add GPS systems to bicycles for the tech savvy.
• Provide wireless charging
• If something like the smart watch with Social Media notifications,can be integrated onto the bicycle structure,customers will have a better experience.
• Radio chip or MP3 device for songs.
•  Customizable skins for users to give their bicycles a different look each day.
• Built-in alarms or messaging system that would inform user about his day's schedule.

 So that's it.Hope you liked my solution.Thank you.

                                                                                                             -Aditya Shanbhag