Exhibitor: Pedal Towards Sustainability

Pedal Towards Sustainability is a project by a group of students from the HAN University of Applied Sciences. They will be presenting the project at the ICBF on Saturday.

We collaborated with local waste workers to design a new cargo bike, fully optimized and adjusted to their specific needs. What makes this project unique is that the entire design process was led by the local community, with us playing a supportive, facilitating role. While they drove the design, we were responsible for developing the technical aspects and creating a comprehensive build manual. The final bike was produced by a local contractor and painted by the waste workers themselves. The bike’s simplicity stands out, being constructed from durable building materials like angle bars and mesh, and equipped with an integrated push cart, enabling waste workers to collect waste in narrow streets without the burden of carrying heavy bags.

This bike is not only practical but also built to last, thanks to the use of construction materials, which are stronger and more durable than typical tube frames. Its modular design allows for easy disassembly and transport, making it adaptable for use across the Philippines. The project’s innovation lies in its user-driven design process, the clever integration of a push cart, and the use of simple yet sturdy construction materials. This combination of features results in a product that is both affordable and highly functional, meeting the real-world needs of waste workers in challenging environments.

Looking ahead, we aim to expand this initiative to other developing countries and communities that could benefit from this innovative solution. Our plan is to continue collaborating with the zero-waste community to further refine and customize the bike for diverse settings. To achieve this, we will need additional funding for further development, construction, and distribution of the bikes. Through fundraising and partnerships, we hope to secure the necessary resources to deploy this sustainable solution on a global scale, improving waste management and living conditions for more communities.

Stand: 12 (SATURDAY ONLY)

NETHERLANDS