News from EcoViDe after the second
container of bicycles arrived in Honduras

The news spread rapidly around the city of El Progreso, state of Yoro,
Honduras, that Pedals for Progress sent a container of bicycles to be
distributed by EcoViDe to the poor population at modest prices.
By the time the second container was expected, many people were waiting
to acquire their bicycle. Community leaders have been very supportive
in helping make our partnership with Pedals for Progress a success.

The deputy manager of El Progreso Radio had several public service
announcements made to the listening audience just before the container arrived.
This enabled poor people living just outside the city to participate
in the bicycle distribution too.

El Progreso's Municipal Police have not had any way to get around
except by walking. They also have adquired bicycles to move around quickly,
even through congested areas, and are now much more effective in their duties.
The chief of police, Miguel Angel Ulloa has expressed his pleasure at seeing
his policemen mobilized without having to worry about the cost of fuel.

The majority of the people who have benefited from our partnership with
Pedals for Progress have been older people who have had to walk long distances
to get to their places of work. Now they have the alternative of buying a strong
bicycle and using it for many years with only a little maintenance along the way.

When the second container arrived it was very satisfying to see the willingness
of people to pitch in and help unload the bicycles and line them up inside
EcoViDe's building. Especially satisfying was watching a little child
from the San José school spontaneously help.

Victor Martinez
Director/ EcoViDe

EcoViDE (Ecology Living Standard and DEvelopment)
is co-sponsored by Sofonias, a Swiss appropriate technology agency assisting
with roofing tiles and bicycle distributions, also helping to install
computers in the public schools.

Honduras