Cycle Bank Project — Pilot (Trial Phase)

The Cycle Bank is a pilot project at Sri Kariambha High School, Kariyammanahatti, designed to remove transport barriers and keep students in class. Eligible students receive a working bicycle at admission and return it when they graduate or take a transfer certificate. Returned cycles are checked, repaired if needed, and reissued to the next eligible

Ownership and MoU
  • All bicycles remain the property of Sudarshan Sanchari Foundation under a formal MoU with the school.

  • On completion/transfer, cycles return to Foundation custody. No cycle stays with a student after studies.

Student and Parent Responsibilities
  • Basic care: safe parking, regular cleaning, keeping tires inflated, and reporting issues promptly.

  • Routine servicing and minor repairs are the responsibility of the student/family.

  • If a family genuinely cannot afford essential service, the Foundation may assist on a case-by-case basis (not a blanket promise).

       Foundation’s Role
  • Inspect every returned cycle; carry out minor repairs and safety checks before reissue.

  • Maintain an asset register (serial number, student ID, issue/return dates).

  • Conduct basic road-safety and cycle-care orientation at the start of each term.

How the Model Works (Step-by-step)
  1. Issue: Working condition cycle provided at admission based on need and commute distance.

  2. Use: Student uses it daily and handles routine upkeep; reports problems quickly.

  3. Return: On TC or graduation, cycle is returned to school and logged.

  4. Refurbish: Foundation services minor issues; average refurbishment cost up to ₹1,000.

  5. Reissue: The same cycle is allocated to another student, maximizing the life of each asset

Why Donate Money Instead of Buying a New Cycle Independently
  • Volume pricing: The Foundation currently procures Tata Stryder Guru-type models at approximately ₹5,850–₹5,912 per unit (inclusive of delivery), which is typically lower than individual retail prices that may be around ₹8,000.

  • Pooled impact: Direct monetary donations let the Foundation bulk-purchase, cover essential spares, and fund refurbishments, stretching each rupee further.

  • Zero waste: Funds also support the refurbish-and-reuse loop so cycles serve multiple cohorts over several years.

Donating a Used Cycle
  • Welcomed: Working-condition bicycles are gratefully accepted.

  • Checks: Donated cycles are inspected; if safe with minor repairs, they are refurbished and reissued to students in need.

  • Not all accepted: Cycles beyond repair or unsafe will not be issued; parts may be salvaged when possible.

Service Policy (Clarity)
  • The Foundation does not take blanket responsibility for all ongoing services of cycles in use.

  • Students/families handle routine maintenance and minor fixes.

  • Hardship support may be provided for essential repairs after assessment.

Current Status and Targets
  • Pilot in progress with 16 cycles issued to high-need students.

  • Goal for this school: build a 100-cycle fleet to ensure reliable access for each new cohort.

  • Expansion: After achieving 100 and reviewing attendance, punctuality, and reuse metrics, the model may expand to other schools.

Safeguards and Accountability
  • Asset register with issue/return logs and serial numbers.

  • Periodic inspections and safety checks to keep cycles roadworthy.

  • Clear return mandate and custody protocols to prevent loss and ensure proper use.

Impact We Aim For
  • Improved daily attendance and punctuality.

  • Reduced commute time and fatigue, better readiness for first-period learning.

  • Higher asset utilization via refurbish-and-reuse, minimizing waste and maximizing donor value.

How to Support
  • Donate Money: Enables bulk purchase at discounted rates and funds refurbishments—highest impact per rupee.

  • Donate a Cycle: Working-condition bicycles accepted; we will refurbish and reissue to students in need.

  • Volunteer: Mechanics and cycle shops can support periodic servicing clinics; content creators can help document progress and stories.