World Bicycle Relief (WBR) mobilises people through The Power of Bicycles. The non-profit organisations’ programs focus primarily on education, health care and economic development. Those working with World Bicycle Relief are committed to helping people conquer the challenge of distance, achieve independence and thrive. 

For many millions of people in developing countries, poverty is a daily reality:

• In Zambia, over 70% of the population live on less than $2/day, the literacy rate is 61% and the life expectancy is just 51 years.
• In South Africa, 39% of the population live on less than $1.25/day. Some schoolchildren spend 4 hours getting to and from school every day.

In areas where walking is the only mode of transport, the likelihood of a child receiving education, a family receiving adequate health care or a farmer delivering his produce to market is limited.

Kenya (with a population of 44 million) has more than 1 million children who are not enrolled in school. Over 10% (>100,000) of children live too far away to attend school, and for many others the journey is too difficult considering 86% of Kenyan roads are unpaved.

The substantial distances and efforts required to perform basic tasks, can be conquered with the aid of a Buffalo Bicycle. 

Education – The power to change lives

In rural, remote communities, the biggest barrier to education is distance.

The physical demands of getting to school by foot have resulted in countless children staying at home, unable to make the distance. With many more domestic chores than boys, girls are falling behind because of the cultural obstacles they face. It is common for girls to arrive at school late and tired, if they arrive at all.

By providing bicycles to children, especially girls, you can empower them with knowledge and ultimately, change the course of their lives. Keeping girls in school has been shown to have a multiplier effect that can help break the cycle of poverty.

Ethel

Before owning a bicycle, 15-year-old Ethel would spend over 2 hours each day walking to school by foot. With a bicycle, her journey now takes 45 minutes. She’s happy to arrive at school on time to pursue her goal of becoming a nurse. In addition to setting an example as a successful student, Ethel has mobilised her community by using her bicycle to transport fellow classmates to school.

Watch Ethel’s story below:

Healthcare – Improving quality of life

In the developing world, a Community Health Volunteer (CHV) will often walk vast distances to provide care for patients, as rugged terrain makes it difficult for them to access healthcare clinics. Research shows that CHVs reach 45% more patients more often with a bicycle. By visiting patients regularly and spending more time with them, caregivers can better understand and address their patients’ needs and concerns, helping to improve quality of life, and save lives.

Royce

Royce, a CHV, has been mobilised by a Buffalo Bicycle since 2008. Prior to her use of a bicycle, Royce would walk 7km a day to visit her 3 patients. Now, she can visit 18 patients in a single day.

Watch Royce’s story below:

Economic Development

Transportation of produce from farm to market is essential to the lives of numerous individuals. The distribution of products throughout rural communities, ranging from grain to milk, required exhausting walks by foot. With a bicycle, farmers and families now have the opportunity to build businesses, sustain a satisfactory quality of life, and create momentum for the entire community.

 

 

Here are some more statistics on economic development, thanks to the Buffalo Bicycle:

• The income of farmers with Buffalo Bicycles increased by 23%
• Dairy farmers decreased their travel time to the collection centre by 45%.

Joseph, a welder from Palabana, Zambia, has benefitted from a Buffalo Bicycle. Read his story below.

Joseph

Joseph, a welder, crafts a range of metal construction components, particular door frames and windows. His business requires a large amount of steel, but his nearest source is 25 miles away in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia.

Joseph used to transport his raw materials from Lusaka by bus, a time-intensive task that required precise timing and substantial cost. With the aid of his Buffalo Bicycle, Joe is now able to transport more than 175 lbs (80kgs) of steel per trip – and he doesn’t have to wait for the bus or pay for excess baggage.

Watch Joseph’s story below:

The Buffalo Bicycle

 

Arguably one of the most durable bicycles out there, the Buffalo Bicycles’ strength is not to be underrated. Featuring steel alloy frames, forks and spokes, and the capacity to carry 100kg in addition to the body weight of the rider, the functionality and robustness of the Buffalo Bicycle is remarkable.

Serving as a lifeline for students, Community Healthcare Volunteers, farmers and entrepreneurs, the Buffalo Bicycle provides comfort, stability and support whilst the individual makes his/her journey. With a specially designed frame, carrier and stand, the design of the bicycle results in more effective load transportation.

The short, dipping top tube offers an upright position to increase comfortability whilst on the bike, and allows for easier mounting, especially when under load. The centre stand simplifies loading for heavy cargo.

Easy to maintain

Requiring only basic tools, the Buffalo Bicycle is easy to maintain. Designed purposely to be maintained and repaired using locally available spare parts, the Buffalo Bicycle is super sustainable.

How you can get involved

You can help to empower the lives of individuals like Ethel, Royce and Joseph, from your very home. You can donate to World Bicycle Relief by clicking the link below:

https://worldbicyclerelief.org/en/donate/

You can attend upcoming events, dotted across the world. Check out the events schedule below:

https://worldbicyclerelief.org/events/

You can also volunteer with World Bicycle Relief:

https://worldbicyclerelief.org/en/community/volunteer/

Thanks to your generosity, 349, 902 Buffalo Bicycles have been delivered into the hands of students, health care workers and entrepreneurs, as of 31st May 2017. 

You have the power to make a difference.

Thanks for reading 🙂