The project was initiated with an invitation to Quicksand to take part in the Design Biennale at St.Etienne, France between November 15-28, 2008. The invitation was extended by John Thackara (of Doors of Perception) who was curating an exhibition on design & sustainability – the City Eco Lab – within the same biennale. John wanted us to put together a sound, image & video installation within City Eco Lab on the variety and vitality of people selling things from or on bicycles.

The objective was to sensitize people to the fact that bike-based commerce does not have to be backward looking and is in fact a viable, flourishing livelihood for millions in India & other developing economies. Check out our mention on the Doors of Perception blog here. We decided to extend our brief a little and do an online installation besides what gets displayed at the exhibition. The website is meant to be a resource that documents and explores opportunities / inspirations for bicycle based commerce in India.