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 Asociación 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."
