Pikala Bikes: an eco and social initiative in the heart of Marrakesh

In late 2019 I visited Pikala Bikes, a small business in Marrakesh created by Cantal Bakker, from the Netherlands. Her idea was simple: introduce cycle tours created and run by locals, and in the process provide much-needed employment for young Moroccans - and part of the bargain is that as part of their training they also get Engish lessons and learn everything about repairing bikes. TUI Organised the trip and its TUI Care Foundation is a key supporter of Pikala Bikes. Pikala Bikes is located a few minutes (link is Google Maps) by bike from the Medina.

Cantal Bakker started Pikala Bikes in 2016

Home to Pikala is a rustic old building in central Marrakesh

Pikala bikes are originally from the streets of the Netherlands

Sustainability is at the heart of Pikala Bikes

Youth unemployment (around 22% 2015-2019) is a major problem in Morocco and many students see Pikala as an interesting employment opportunity

Community spirit: everyone – from owner Cantal Bakker to cooks to tour guides – eat together, and local products are central to meals

Hotel Riu Tikida Palmeraie, around 7.5 km from the medina

Of course, the best hotels provide the comfort many tourists want, but there's no doubt it comes with a sanitised version of Morocco

The hotel interior is dotted with fine arts & tasteful architecture

One of the city's biggest attractions is its Islamic heritage, perhaps best epitomised in the Son of Joseph madras & Ben Youssef mosque

A familiar Marakkesh scene leading out of the mosque

Classic Morrocan design and patterns

Islamic designs have inspired European artists for centuries

A typical outdoor arched passageway

Like most historic cities, many parts of the city have been rebuilt or at least renovated and modernised

A Marrakesh rooftop view

Pikala bikes are a great way to see the city, though they work best in the less packed areas

Despite the masses of tourists and tourists hotspots, there are still glimpses of a more traditional way of life

A delivery to a hammam

A Pikala guide taking a breather