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Help us shape a sustainable urban future for Northeast India
an initiative to support Livelihood / CAPTIVE Cyclists
Cycle Mitra is an initiative launched by the Purvca Foundation to support livelihood or captive cyclists in Guwahati city. The initiative supports individuals who depend on bicycles for their livelihood, ensuring their cycles remain safe and roadworthy.
Through this initiative we offer basic maintenance services such as chain cleaning, puncture repair, installing reflectors, replacing brake pads, changing tubes, and other minor repairs.
It is implemented in collaboration with local bicycle repair shops in Guwahati. Services are provided supporting up to 10 livelihood cyclists per week per store.
From July 2025 till March 2026 we have reached a total of 152
To reach the beneficiaries we had collaborated with the following local cycle stores
JH Cycle Store, Beltola
RC Gupta Cycle Store, Basistha Chariali
Baba Cycle Store, Hatigaon
Hemanta Cycle Store, Hengrabari
UMA Cycle Store, Narengi
Photos of a few beneficiaries. Their faces have been blurred to respect their privacy
A Livelihood / Captive Cyclist is someone who relies on cycling as a primary mode of transportation for their work or earning a living. These individuals often belong to low-income groups and use their bicycles for activities such as:
Delivery Services: Transporting goods, food, milk, or parcels (fish vendor / paper delivery).
Street Vending: Selling items like vegetables, fish, fruits, or other goods.
Courier or Logistics Work: Carrying documents or small packages.
Primary Vehicle: People like Carpenter / Mason (Raj Mistri) / Electrician, small shop owner, small business employees, etc who uses cycles as their primary mode of travel
Livelihood/ Captive cyclists play a vital role in urban ecosystems by contributing to a pollution-free and congestion-free environment. Despite their significant contributions, they often face challenges in maintaining their cycles due to financial constraints or lack of access to proper servicing facilities as well as respect for their mode of transport.
This initiative aims to support and recognize their efforts, encouraging them to continue cycling while ensuring their safety and comfort.
We chose the name Cycle Mitra because it means "Friend of the Cyclist" — a simple and heartfelt expression of our intent to stand beside and support those who depend on their cycles for their daily livelihood. "Mitra" is a Sanskrit word meaning "friend" and is commonly understood in many Indian languages, making the name both inclusive and culturally rooted.
What we will do?
Provide free basic cycle servicing, maintenance to Livelihood Cyclists
Educate them on road safety and importance of following traffic rules
Collect some basic information about the beneficiary
How, Where & When?
We will Partner with a local cycle store, in Guwahati, to perform servicing and provide necessary items.
On Saturday afternoons/ evenings, for 2-3 hours or until 5-10 cyclists are serviced (whichever is earlier)
Which type of Cycle Servicing and Maintenance will be provided?
Clean the cycle and its chain.
Check brakes to ensure safety.
Inspect for punctures and provide necessary repairs.
Add a sticker on the mudguards for visibility & identification.
What kind / type of cycles will be serviced?
Manual / Human powered (not electric) and Single Speed (not with multiple gears)
You can help us Help us provide free cycle servicing & safety support to livelihood cyclists!
🔧 Your contribution will help us:
✅ Clean & service cycles
✅ Repair brakes & punctures (if required)
✅ Attach reflective stickers or reflectors for visibility & safety
✅ Educate cyclists on traffic rules
✅ Expand our reach to more locations
You Can Contribute
🔹 Only ₹250/- to support servicing for 1 cyclist
🔹 With ₹1250/- you can provide support for 5 cyclists
🔹 Donating ₹2500 will help us support 10 cyclists
Breakup of Cost
🔹 ₹200/- max for each Cyclist.
🔹 ₹50/- for our operational expenses
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