The Ghoda Cycle Project

‘The Ghoda Cycle Project’ is a visual document of the myriad avatars of bicycles in the rural and urban landscape of India. The linchpin of ‘The Ghoda Cycle Project’ is to lay emphasis on the framework, structure, decoration and design of the cycles of India.

Ergonomically these cycles may not be the best examples of bicycle design, but they have the strength to carry the hopes and aspirations of a big section of the Indian population. No wonder they are called ghoda (stallion) cycles. Basic necessities like cooking gas, milk, bread, newspapers and tiffin are delivered to our homes on a cycle. And then there are the mobile cycle shops that sell, among other things, tea, vegetables, waist-belts, ice-creams and SIM-cards! Its a display not only of sustainable living but also how a section of the society in India make a livelihood out of it. With customization, adornments, embellishments and a bit of jugaad these cycles start developing their own unique personality, reflecting the occupation and background of the rider. And also collectively adds life and charm to the streets of India, where more than 20,000 cycles are manufactured everyday. The poster-book is a collection of observations and drawings of these omnipresent cycles of India.

Medium & details: The Ghoda Cycle Project is a poster-book-set with 9 sheets. 7 ‘Ensemble Pure White’ sheets of open size 17 inch by 13 inch. Front-back offset printed – Illustrations. 2 ‘Notturno Black card’ sheets of open size 17 inch by 13 inch. Front side 2 colour screen printed with fluoro (neon) gradation + gloss black : bicycle Mudflaps. These sheets are bound to the jacket by a Fluoro yellow non-stick elastic and are easy to release and frame. The product is designed to suit your walls in a frame as well as your book shelf as a publication. The jacket has a 3 colour/layer screenprint on Notturno Black card by Cordenons.

ISBN 978-93-5174-198-5 | ONLY 500 copies | Each personally signed and numbered.

The Ghoda Cycle Project was exhibited at the Bicycle Film Festival, July 2012, Helsinki as part of World Design Capital Helsinki (WDC-H). This collaboration wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Chalo India!, Keskula Network and Pelago Bicycles.