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Center of Bicycle Technology

Maya Pedal is a Guatemalan NGO based in San Andrés Itzapa. We accept bikes donated from the USA and Canada which we either recondition to sell, or we use the components to build a range of "Bicimaquinas", (pedal powered machines).

Pedal power can be harnessed for countless applications which would otherwise require electricity (which may not be available) or hand power (which is far more effort). Bicimaquinas are easy and enjoyable to use. They can be built using locally available materials and can be easily adapted to suit the needs of local people. They free the user from rising energy costs, can be used anywhere, are easy to maintain, produce no pollution and provide healthy exercise.

We make water pumps, grinders, threshers, tile makers, nut shellers, blenders (for making soaps and shampoos as well as food products), trikes, trailers and more.

In Guatemala

We have a busy workshop staffed by locals and by volunteers from around the World. As well as building Bicimaquinas, we offer a bike repair service and sell used bikes in the surrounding area.

We also work with a number of local partners, NGO's, agricultural cooperatives and organic producers.

Internationally

We are supported by a number of international organizations and accept volunteers with a range of skills and interests.

We are in the process of making our designs available globally, via downloadable fact sheets and step by step instructions. We aim to be a center of pedal power research and development and an information resource for NGO's promoting appropriate technology and small scale, sustainable agriculture.

History

We began in 1997, working with a group of Canadians from the organization PEDAL. Following a vision for sustainable development in Guatemala, we became constituted under local control as AsociaciĆ³n Maya Pedal in 2001.

 



2010 Curry Stone Design Prize Finalist

"The Curry Stone Design Prize honors an individual or group for developing and implementing a visionary design innovation. These emerging projects address critical issues such as access to clean air, food and water, shelter, health care, energy, education, social justice and the promotion of peace."

 



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© Maya pedal 2010 | Site by Laika Design