Polkadot’s governance board is deliberating on a $160,000 proposal to promote the network during the upcoming Olympics in Paris by deploying a set of branded bicycles.

The Olympic Games represents a global sporting event occurring every four years, attracting athletes from worldwide, with the previous Tokyo Games drawing over 3 billion viewers. The anticipated engagement level for this Olympic edition is expected to surpass previous events.

If approved, the proposal provides Polkadot with a solid marketing platform to showcase the blockchain network.

Specifics of the Proposal

Oribiky, an electric bicycle rental service in Paris, has proposed the installation of 100 Polkadot-branded electric bicycles in key locations across Seine-Saint-Denis to address potential mobility challenges during the city's busy period due to the influx of visitors.

As outlined in the proposal:

“The initiative involves deploying 100 Polkadot-branded e-bikes in high-traffic zones and developing iOS and Android applications that mirror the Polkadot brand and logo. These applications will feature a cryptocurrency payment option utilizing STRIPE's solution.”

The proposal also includes plans for radio, television, and social media marketing campaigns, with the goal of attracting new users to Polkadot through wallet creations and airdrops, among other initiatives.

The proponents emphasize that this project offers a unique opportunity for Polkadot to gain visibility during the Olympics by associating itself with a crucial real-world service.

Community Response

Initial feedback from the community forum indicates a lack of enthusiasm for the proposal. With only 16 votes recorded so far, nearly 98.3% have rejected the proposal, while a mere 1.7% have expressed support.

However, the voting process remains open until May, allowing for potential shifts in sentiment.

Increased Network Engagement

In the past month, Polkadot has witnessed a surge in network activity, with the number of addresses interacting with the blockchain exceeding 600,000 in March.

The platform highlighted:

“Activity in the Polkadot ecosystem is on the rise, emphasizing the importance of dedicated blockspace for various applications to maintain network integrity.”

Despite the increased network activity, DOT's price performance has declined by more than 22% to $8.37 over the past month, according to data from CryptoSlate.