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 Cyclos are the old fashioned mode of transport in Phnom Penh and an integral part of the city’s landscape. The cyclo was designed by a French engineer resident in Phnom Penh during the colonial period and these iconic vehicles were first introduced to the city’s streets in 1936. Cyclos remain one of the most enjoyable, relaxing, and environmentally friendly ways to explore Phnom Penh. However the power house behind you, the cyclo driver, will be amongst the poorest of the urban poor in Cambodia, most probably living on less than a dollar a day and sleeping in the streets. Recognising their plight the Cyclo Centre was established in 1999 as a ‘drop-in centre’ where cyclo drivers can meet, share ideas, and discuss problems - the first ever organisation dedicated to helping cyclo drivers. After an initial consultation with a group of drivers daily English lessons, access to free medical care, and washing facilities were provided.
 Today the Cyclo Centre has more than 1,400 drivers registered with it and provides a broader range of services including: a savings scheme as many drivers have nowhere safe to keep their earnings; the free use of tools and spares at cost price so they can maintain and repair their cyclos; a free haircutting service in conjunction with another NGO that supports young women coming out of prostitution; working with IRIS to provide eye check-ups, glasses, and operations; health awareness, particularly HIV / AIDS and smoking; and an innovative hire purchase arrangement whereby in less than a year a driver may own his own cyclo.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPERIENCE...
 Enjoy a half or full day cyclo tour of Phnom Penh organised through the Cyclo Centre. You will feel almost regal as you sit there being pedaled around at a sedate pace enjoying the famed city sights such as; the riverside, Wat Phnom, the Royal Palace, the old French Quarter, the Independence Monument, and various interesting local markets – a truly unique experience and one that should not be missed whilst in Phnom Penh. If you wish Asia Adventures can also arrange for you to visit the Cyclo Centre itself and discuss the work that is being done and the problems that need to be addressed with both the Centre’s staff and the drivers themselves.
Minimum Donation: If you choose to visit the Cyclo Centre as part of your tour the Cyclo Centre staff are happy to show you around and explain the work that they do, why they are doing it, and the problems they encounter. However, such visits require a resource commitment by the Centre. As such a commitment from the visitors is appreciated. For the Cyclo Centre visit (not a cyclo tour only) Asia Adventures includes a minimum donation in the cost of your overall tour. The minimum donation depends on the group size, please email us for further information. Of course you are free to donate further during your visit if you wish.
For more information about the Cyclo Centre please visit their website http://cyclo.org.uk
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