Equip Disciples

Wooden Bikes

The wooden bike called tsukudu (or tchukudu) is a common mode of transporting goods in Congo. Simple and rugged, they consist basically of the handlebar/fork unit, and a plank sloping back to the rear wheel. These vehicles can haul hundreds of pounds of rice, or water, or building materials.... They can be a way for young men to earn a living.

What we know of tsukudus:

• Current cost: $80 (August 08)
• made by specialists outside of Goma
• 160 kilos = 256 lbs seems to be a common goal for bikes. However, here is a claim tsukudus carry up to 1000 lbs (1/2 a ton).

Wooden bikes in Uganda - several pictures

Wooden bikes in Philippines, Africa - many pictures

Project Rwanda using metal bikes designed to carry large loads of coffee.

Some close-ups of Rwandan wooden bikes
Video discussing Rwandan wooden bikes
Slides
Other videos - be sure to check out Alphonse's high tech bike!

Bicycle distribution program in Uganda - including manuals, analyses, etc.
Another cargo bike creation
ambulances, etc.

Manual of Bicycle sponsorship - 56 pp., see p. 27 discussion on design/construction

Afribike video - a project in South Africa to distribute bikes to women, training them to maintain and ride them. Includes attachment to haul loads

Institute for Transportation & Development Policy - bicycle and rickshaw program

Wheels 4 Life

World Bicycle Relief