Maya Pedal

Maya Pedal’s workshop in San Andrés Itzapa is staffed by local staff and international volunteers. Each machine is hand-made to order, using donated, used bicycles and salvaged concrete, wood, metal, and other locally available materials. The range of designs includes: water pumps, grinders, threshers, tile-makers, nut-shellers, blenders, and more. Maya Pedal’s designs are open source, with plans available on their website so anyone can access them.

The bicimáquinas help create and sustain local businesses. In San Andrés, a womens’ collective makes organic aloe shampoo with the help of the “bicycle blender,” using the proceeds to support their families and fund reforestation projects. A local group in nearby Chimaltenango uses a mill/corn degrainer design to produce organic animal feed for its farm.