Category Archives: bicycles

bicycles, Kosovo

Quirky Bikes

Fall 2025 Newsletter

The range of bicycles Pedals for Progress receives is quite amazing. Our generous supporters donate bicycles that cover almost every era. From the classic yellow Schwinn to modern full suspension mountain bikes fresh out the box, we have accepted and shipped our fair share of interesting bikes.

We get thousands of bikes per year at our collections, so it can be hard to keep track of some of the more interesting bikes we receive. This year two bikes especially caught my eye.

The first was Bob’s old skip tooth that was dropped off our collection in Clinton NJ with the Clinton Presbyterian and North Hunterdon Rotary Club. As soon as it was unloaded, it was turning heads at the collection like a time capsule from another life.

Bob told us a little bit about the bike. It was one of his first bikes as a kid more than 50 years ago that helped him all around town. Like many bikes from our childhood, one day he stowed it away in his family barn, where it sat for years.

Guatemala quirky bikeThe age of the bike conjured up a lot of questions like “Is it good enough?” “Is it too old?” “Do you accept antique bikes”. In short: yes. For the most part this was a fine bike that simply had a lot of years behind it. It was mostly kept in a barn, so the elements did not push it beyond the repairable condition we typically ask our bikes to be in. Upon learning about our friends in Guatemala at Masa Critica and their interest in vintage bikes, I knew right away who would appreciate this special bike.

The guys down in Guatemala love these vintage bikes and were very encouraging to me when they heard we sometimes get antique bikes at our collections. The same bike culture we have of fixing and restoring old vintage bikes is alive and well in Guatemala. FIDESMA was able to sell the bike to Muhammed who was absolutely excited to see Bob’s skip chain find its way down south. This important sale goes right back to FIDESMA community outreach efforts to complete the full cycle of our program.

Penny farthing bike, Guatemala 2025Now in Guatemala, Muhammed will be sure to put plenty of care and respect into this blast from the past. It is a simple reminder of how our memoirs are stored in these bicycles and lived on through others around the world. Thank you, Bob, for sending your special bike to a new home.

Another funky bike we received is this custom beach cruiser we picked up down the shore with the Monmouth social club. I always like using these examples of quirky bikes to illustrate the grand potential of P4P. While this bike isn’t practical as a commuter bike, it certainly tells a story about the person who rode it.

Beach bike with long barsThis is simply a whimsical bike. Every time I look at it, it just makes me smile. The long handlebars and the all-black paint job combine a sort of silliness and ruggedness that totally clashes with the beach-bike frame. I can totally picture this bike being ridden down the boardwalk. To me it just screams Jersey Shore.

I love New Jersey, so sending this bike to one of our partners was a complete joy. We always speak of the practicality of Pedals for Progress and the importance of our bikes as tools of personal empowerment. While this bike may not get you to work as quickly as a sleek road bike, it spreads simple happiness and joy to our recipients, illustrating a different side of our mission.

I rarely try to track bikes: I don’t want to burden our partners by having them look out for special bikes among the hundreds they unload from a container they are trying to return on time.

Beach bike in KosovoI snapped this photo of the bike simply because it made me smile. Sure enough, one day, months later, I see the same bike with a happy new owner on GoBike’s Instagram page. By sheer coincidence, I was overthrown with happiness seeing our proud new owner of this unique bike.

His smile in the photo, next to the quirky bike, gave me a newfound appreciation for our organization. He knows it won’t be the most practical, or the best bike to get from point A to B, but this man also saw the joy inside the bike and wanted to give it new life. I love imagining the heads turn in Kosovo as it rides down the streets infecting people with smiles and laughter seeing a foreign bike from a wacky country called New Jersey.

To whoever donated this wonderful bike, thank you. Thank you for illustrating the joy and happiness bicycles can bring for people in the developing world. So keep those bikes coming, in all forms, to help us keep spreading the joy of cycling.

bicycles, Guatemala, Sewing Partners

Report from Guatemala, Spring 2025

Spring 2025 Newsletter

Fidesma staff and Alan For the last 25 years, Pedals for Progress has made annual shipments of bikes and sewing machines to FIDESMA, a community outreach program located just outside Chimaltenango, Guatemala. FIDESMA serves its community of San Andrés Itzapa through various programs focused on food security, educational support, and women’s empowerment in business.

full view of fidesma shopUsing their EcoBici program, they extend their community impact through the distribution and sale of our donated bicycles. FIDESMA and its EcoBici bike shop have sustained themselves for 25 years and serve as a textbook example of what Pedals for Progress aims to achieve. By selling some of their bikes at low cost, our partners help generate revenue to maintain their operations and fund their community outreach.

Working people who buy these bicycles have a vested interest in maintaining them. This not only promotes long-term use, but also feeds back into the success of the shop, which hires more people and helps develop specialized labor. The economic success of this small enterprise is how we’ve been able to contribute to the local economy of Chimaltenango while supporting FIDESMA’s broader mission.

FIDESMA’s current inventory includes many bikes we shipped back in October. The range of bicycles we collect in the U.S. ends up being a major selling point once they reach our international partners. From vintage Schwinns from the ’70s and ’80s to modern Trek mountain bikes, the variety helps shops like EcoBici serve a diverse customer base. This range is on full display at EcoBici, where bikes are organized by price category: older Schwinns ranging from $30–$50, mid-level Mongooses and Treks priced between $50–$100+, and even a top-shelf Specialized model tagged at $800. It’s a great example of a healthy storefront offering a fair, tiered marketplace.

FIDESMA bike shop workersThis all ties back to the “theory” behind Pedals for Progress. We want our partners to succeed and earn a living through our donated bicycles. We are extending the life and value of products that hold real significance in smaller marketplaces like San Andrés Itzapa. Fanning the flame of a blossoming economy is how we can accelerate progress and stretch the impact of bicycles once headed for a landfill. We’re proud to stand beside partners like FIDESMA who take our mission to heart. Here’s to 25 years of impact—and many more to come.

Women’s Group and Bike Donation

The auxiliary programs we support in the developing world are often funded through the sale of bicycles we ship. In many places here in the United States, other charities that collect used bicycles will sell a large portion domestically to help offset their operating costs. At Pedals for Progress, we pass that same opportunity on to our partners overseas. We want our partners to benefit from the sale of bikes in their local markets, using that income to fund community outreach and development work where it’s needed most. As a result, we’re proud to say that P4P donates 100% of the new and repairable bikes we collect.

For lack of a better term, a kind of “trickle-down” economy begins to take shape. While our partner bike shops generate revenue, they are also running a local business and using their extra funds to support their communities. FIDESMA in Guatemala continues to be an incredible example: several of their offshoot programs provide aid through feeding programs, bicycle donations, and support for indigenous women.

During my visit to FIDESMA, I spoke with some of the main people behind their work. It’s mostly a family-run operation, and they welcomed us like family. Pedro, the son of Margarita, FIDESMA’s founder, said very simply, “In San Andrés Itzapa, FIDESMA is famous for helping.” They’re the place people turn to when they’re in need.

Alan and Pedro with truck of bikesThat sentiment rang especially true when we learned that the town had begun building a new public park and asked FIDESMA for bicycles for children to use inside the park. FIDESMA gladly donated 15 children’s bikes at no cost. We were fortunate enough to be there in person when the town came to pick them up. After years of loading bicycles onto trucks in the U.S., I had the incredible honor to help load on the receiving end.

A few days later, we were invited to a ceremony at the new park to celebrate FIDESMA’s contributions to the town. The event also honored the indigenous women’s group that FIDESMA supports. Through this initiative, women create and sell handwoven tapestries and traditional clothing using long-established Mayan techniques. Margarita, an artist herself who makes jewelry, helps these rural women bring their handmade goods to larger markets, increasing both their reach and their profits.

mayan artisansThese women also benefit directly from the sewing machines we ship alongside our bicycles. While they continue using traditional techniques, the machines supplement their work, allowing them to expand production and grow their income.

Alan donating bikeAt the ceremony, we also had the privilege of donating a bicycle to a local farmer who had been struggling to make ends meet. Identified by FIDESMA for his strong work ethic and long walks to work each day, he was selected to receive a donated bike. Having the opportunity to see him accept the gift and ride away was a deeply moving reminder of why we do what we do.

Stories like these remind us that a bicycle or sewing machine can be an important tool for a pathway to opportunity. With each shipment, we’re not just delivering aid; we’re supporting organizations like FIDESMA that are deeply rooted in their communities and building better lives. Thank you for your continued support.

bicycles, Guatemala

Cycling Reaches Critical Mass in Guatemala

Spring 2025 Newsletter

The cycling culture in Guatemala is on the rise, moving beyond simple utility and evolving into a lifestyle of leisure and fun. Cycling groups, the growing popularity of mountain biking, and an increasing interest in vintage bicycles—trends we’ve long seen in the United States—are now taking root and gaining momentum in Guatemala. Riding that wave for more than 20 years, Masa Crítica Guatemala has been at the forefront of the country’s cycling movement.

During our recent visit to our partner program FIDESMA, Pedals for Progress had the opportunity to join a group ride organized by Masa Crítica. FIDESMA and Masa Crítica have worked closely together, co-sponsoring group rides, cycling expos, and other events throughout Guatemala City. FIDESMA has supported the group through bicycle repair services, rentals, and sales, all of which help advance Masa Crítica’s mission of expanding the cycling community across the city and country.

Critical Mass bike group, Guatemala 2025Masa Crítica has become a strong voice for cyclists in Guatemala City. “Critical Mass” group rides first started in the 1990s and have popped up worldwide ever since. In Guatemala City, the movement began in 2005, and its timing couldn’t have been better. In a city where crime rates are among the highest in the country, strength in numbers offers a safer way to ride. One participant told us they had once been held at gunpoint while cycling alone, but now feels much safer riding with a large group.

Alan and guy in costume on bikes, Guatemala 2025Beyond safety, these group rides are simply fun. Riders of all ages and backgrounds show up to enjoy the ride. Themed rides are especially popular. On the day we joined, the group was decked out in Hawaiian shirts and vintage bikes, celebrating an upcoming vintage bike expo. Riders proudly showcased classic bicycles, many restored and modified by the talented Julián Méndez (in Spanish). The passion for cycling was unmistakable.

Traffic conditions in Guatemala City are also notoriously intense. Drivers often engage in a dog-eat-dog mentality, and traffic laws are merely a suggestion. But again, safety in numbers prevails. Group rides can stop traffic at intersections, giving cyclists safe passage where they’d otherwise be vulnerable. Guides equipped with high-visibility vests and whistles help the group stay organized and secure as they navigate the streets.

Seeing progress in the U.S., like new bicycle-passing law in New Jersey, is a promising reminder that similar protections can take hold in Guatemala. Cycling is becoming more popular, and we’re excited to help keep it growing around the world.

bicycles, Guatemala

Rolando: Reseller of P4P Bikes in Guatemala

Spring 2025 Newsletter

This is Rolando, a shop owner and bike mechanic at Dbicis Taller S.J. (Bike Workshop San José). He has been running his small business for 16 years, serving his rural community with bicycle sales and repairs.

Located deep in Guatemala, San José Poaquil sits over an hour from the Ecobici bike shop in Chimaltenango, accessible only by tough, winding mountain roads. For the last two years, Rolando has been purchasing bicycles from Ecobici thanks to his longtime friendship with Alfuno, co-founder of FIDESMA. Through this relationship, he has been able to acquire higher-quality used bicycles from the United States—bikes that outperform the imported Chinese models he previously relied on.

The decision to source from FIDESMA has helped Rolando bolster his inventory and offer his customers more durable, reliable bicycles. American brand bikes—especially used Trek models—are highly preferred and can sell for around $200 USD, compared to roughly $100 USD for a new, off-brand Chinese bike. That price difference reflects a big gap in quality. The used bikes from the U.S. far exceed their lower-end counterparts in performance and longevity.

Rolando makes use of every square foot in his compact 15×8-foot shop. Tools and spare parts cover his workbench, while bikes and wheels hang from the walls and fill every corner. It’s a modest space, but it allows him to earn a living doing something he’s passionate about—fixing bikes and serving his neighbors.

For years, Rolando worked alongside his son, who helped run the shop before leaving two years ago to pursue construction work in the United States. Clearly, mechanical talent runs in the family. Rolando continues to make incredible use of limited tools and supplies. Several bikes were hanging from the walls, drying after being freshly spray-painted. He even uses an angle grinder to modify larger bicycle frames to better fit the smaller stature of the local population.

Despite his skill and resourcefulness, Rolando faces challenges when it comes to repairing newer, high-end bikes. While Trek remains the most popular brand, some newer models are beyond his current expertise. He occasionally relies on help from a fellow mechanic in Chimaltenango, but the hour-long drive makes it hard to keep up with demand.

Eager to improve, Rolando hopes to expand his knowledge so he can better service these newer models. Entirely self-taught, he has learned through trial and error and dreams of starting bike repair lessons for others in his community. He recognizes the growing interest in cycling throughout Guatemala and wants to help others keep up with the rising demand.

Pedals for Progress is proud to support small bike shops like Dbicis Taller S.J. Rolando is just one example of how our work helps foster economic development, entrepreneurship, and access to mobility in the developing world. Every bike sold in Rolando’s shop goes into the hands of a hard-working person in rural Guatemala. His story is a great example of the kind of sustainable progress we aim to support—one bike, and one mechanic, at a time.

bicycles, Kosovo

Kosovo, April 2025: Back on the Road, A Long-Awaited Reunion of Wheels and Hope

GoBike
Spring 2025 Newsletter

Kosovo GoBike CommunityAfter a long and unexpected pause, GoBike is thrilled to share that we are finally continuing our journey — with new bicycles, renewed energy, and the same mission that brought us together years ago: building a better future, one pedal stroke at a time.

Our story began in 2018 when Pedals for Progress sent a container of 450 bicycles to Kosovo — a small, landlocked country nestled in the Balkans, often overlooked on the world map, but full of big dreams and resilient people. That shipment helped us establish GoBike, a social enterprise with a vision to promote cycling, reduce our environmental footprint, and empower youth, women, and under-served communities.

Over two summers, we sold hundreds of bicycles, taught children to ride for the first time, organized community cycling events, and became a recognizable voice for sustainable urban mobility in Kosovo. We even branched out, working with sewing machines to support women’s empowerment programs in marginalized communities.

Then, as with so many good things, the pandemic brought everything to a halt.

The long pause since our first container wasn’t part of the plan, but life had other ideas. The Covid-19 pandemic forced us to shut down completely for a year and a half. Programs were suspended, projects delayed, and a second shipment remained a hopeful “one day” dream. In Kosovo, the crisis was felt deeply — with no vaccines until March 2021 and limited access to resources. But the passion behind GoBike never faded.

Now, in 2025, we’re finally back — and so are the bicycles.

This new shipment represents more than just parts and pedals. It’s a powerful reminder of what grassroots cooperation and international solidarity can achieve, even when time and distance get in the way. Our communities are once again buzzing with anticipation. New cycling schools will be launched. More women and children will be empowered. And yes — we’ll get more people out of their cars and onto two wheels.

To our partner – Pedals for Progress (P4P): thank you for not giving up on us. Thank you for remembering Kosovo, a country that is small in size but rich in spirit. And thank you for helping us get back on the road — where we belong.

We’re just getting started (again).

Albania, bicycles

Albania, February 2025: Special Delivery for Klodjan

Spring 2025 Newsletter

On February 14, 2025, we had the privilege of delivering a bicycle to Klodjan, a young man living with his mother, who is battling a serious illness. Their situation is tough, his mother is unable to move, and as an only child, Klodjan has had to take on the responsibility of caring for her. But even in the face of such challenges, Klodjan welcomed us with warmth and a strength that left a lasting impression.

Klodjan and his bike, Albania, February 2025The bicycle wasn’t just a convenience; it was a way to change Klodjan’s life. With it, Klodjan was able to find a job as a delivery person at a local bookstore. This new role has given him not just an income, but also a sense of independence. For the first time in a long while, he can support his family without depending on others for help. The bicycle, something many of us might take for granted, became the key to unlocking new possibilities for Klodjan.

But it wasn’t just the bicycle. We were also able to provide food supplies, thanks to the funds from the sale of another bicycle. While it may seem like a small gesture, it was part of a bigger vision, where people aren’t just given temporary relief, but are empowered to build their own sustainable futures. With a steady income from his new job, Klodjan can now take care of himself and his mother with dignity, instead of relying on charity.

Klodjan’s story is one of resilience. He’s caring for a mother who cannot move, and yet he continues to push forward. He didn’t wait for life to get easier; he found a way to make it better. This job at the bookstore, made possible by the bicycle, is more than just a paycheck for Klodjan. It’s a chance to stand on his own, to feel proud of his ability to contribute and provide. It’s a step towards a future where he and his mother are no longer at the mercy of circumstances.

We’re incredibly grateful to have been a part of Klodjan’s story. His determination to move forward, despite everything, is inspiring. We’re excited to see where this new chapter takes him, and we hope his journey continues to remind us all that, with a little help and a lot of heart, anything is possible.

Here’s a video.

Belize, bicycles

Meet Kevaun Mckesey, Belize Bike Program

Kevaun Mckesey with bikes in BelizeKevaun Mckesey, a 22-year-old from Belize, is an inspiring young man who has been part of our organization for the past two years. In that time, he has consistently demonstrated determination, honesty, supportiveness, and an unwavering work ethic. In a nation where many young men his age face challenges such as gang involvement, incarceration, or untimely deaths, Kevaun stands out as a beacon of hope and purpose.

Currently, Kevaun oversees the assembly operations for our bicycle sustainability program. His leadership and dedication have propelled our bicycle sales to new heights. Through this program, we are not only able to employ Kevaun but also provide opportunities for others, offering fair wages and sustainable employment.

Recently, we were thrilled to secure a scholarship for Kevaun to pursue his educational goals. Starting in January 2025, he will begin online classes at Carolina University in North Carolina.

We are deeply grateful for Kevaun — not just for his contributions to our organization but for the positive impact he represents for the future of Belize. His story reminds us of the incredible potential that lies within our youth when given the opportunity to thrive.

bicycles, Guatemala

Ya recibimos las bicis en Fidesma

From: Fundacion Fidesma
Subject: Ya recibimos las bicis en Fidesma
Date: November 22, 2024 at 2:24:13 PM EST
To: David Schweidenback

Hola, Don David, le informamos que ya tenemos las bicicletas en Fidesma, despues de un largo tramite, en la Aduana Guatemala.

Siempre es una experiencia, diferente, cada vez que las recibimos.

De todo tipo de problemas nos presenta el Puerto en Guatemala, dicen que ya no pueden acelerar tramites porque hay mucho BArcos, y muchos contenedores, tambien que nos toco pagar almacenaje porque nos pasamos de los dias permitidos, en el puerto, pagamos mas dinero, y luego que habia dias de asueto en Guatemala, tambien que los dias sabados y domingos no hacen tramites, y asi muchos problemas nos dan ellos.

Muchas gracias David, por las bicis, estan muy bonitas, y gracias por las Maqinas de cocer. Enviaremos fotos de lo que se a hecho aqui,

Atentamente
Margarita CAte
y todo el equipo de compañeros de Fidesma ECOLOBICI.
Chimaltenango, Guatemala.

bicycles, Guatemala

Notes from Guatemala, November 2024

FIDESMA, November 22, 2024

From: Fundacion Fidesma
Date: November 22, 2024

We’ve finally received the bicycles at Fidesma, after a long process at Guatemalan Customs. Every container is a different adventure.

The port in Guatemala always gives us all sorts of problems. They say they can’t expedite the paperwork because there are too many ships and containers. We also had to pay extra storage fees because we exceeded the allowed days at the port. Then there were holidays in Guatemala, and they don’t process paperwork on Saturdays and Sundays, and so on. They give us many problems.

Thank you very much for the bikes. They are very beautiful, and thank you for the sewing machines as well.

Sincerely,
Margarita Caté de Catú and the entire FIDESMA ECOLOBICI team
Chimaltenango, Guatemala

Translated from the Spanish original

Unloading Guatemala container #25, November 2024

FIDESMA, November 27, 2024

From: Fundacion Fidesma
Date: November 27, 2024

Best regards from the FIDESMA team.

We’ve finished checking the bikes and doing the inventory. And thanks so much for sending the sewing machines. We really appreciate the soccer balls, bike tools, spare parts, and especially the plywood — it’s always handy.

Everything looks great. The bikes are beautiful, and we’ve already started selling and delivering them.

We’ll be sure to send you more pictures and tell you all about how the bikes are being used here.

Sincerely,
Margarita Caté de Catú and the entire FIDESMA ECOLOBICI team
Chimaltenango, Guatemala

Translated from the Spanish original