Introduction

World Bicycle Relief is an international non-profit organization that mobilizes people through the Power of Bicycles. They envision a world where distance is no longer a barrier to independence and livelihoods. In rural developing regions, millions of people walk as a primary mode of transportation. Without access to education, health care and economic opportunities, people continue to live in poverty and die from treatable diseases. World Bicycle Relief is changing that by building and distributing rugged, specially designed, locally assembled, high quality bicycles to students, healthcare workers and entrepreneurs. The mission of World Bicycle Relief is “moving people forward” by supplying bicycles to the people in need for transportation. The organization is currently active in Colombia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Problem

The problem that is tackled by the organization is the missing access to transportation and the barrier of distance particularly in rural developing regions. This missing access stops children from going to school, health workers from visiting more patients per day, farmers from selling their products and entrepreneurs from distributing their goods and services. In addition, gender equality is another issue that is targeted by the organization, since girls are missing classes even more frequently than boys.

Solution

World Bicycle Relief has designed a special bicycle to solve the problem at hand called the Buffalo Bicycle. The Buffalo is a stronger, simpler, and more sustainable bicycle that can withstand harsh rural conditions, since it has to meet the pressing needs of people in rural regions. It allows the riders to dramatically increase efficiency and therefore represents a huge value to them. The Buffalo Bicycles are locally assembled. In addition, the organization implements local shops for maintenance and spare parts, which creates workplaces in the areas in need. The organization sells the Buffalos to the people who can afford them and supports those in need with bicycles through philanthropic programs. This solution approach tries to break the cycle of poverty in these communities.

Impact

World Bicycle Relief is measuring their impact strongly in the areas where they are active. They achieved a 28% increase in student attendance, an 88% increase in patient visits made by health workers per day, and a 25% increase in dairy deliveries completed by farmers. Until May 2020 the organization distributed 519.578 bicycles of which 338.100 were distributed through philanthropic programs. Since the organization started in 2008, 2.455 mechanics have been trained. Currently, 23 shops and 4 assembly halls and warehouses exist in their active areas.