The Impact
In the hands of women and girls, two simple wheels and a frame become vehicles of change that can uplift generations.
Women and girls in rural regions play a critical role in helping their communities thrive. Yet without reliable transportation, they walk long distances to reach vital services, risking their personal safety and valuable time.
Join us in putting the changemakers of tomorrow on life-changing bicycles.
28%
Girl students with bicycles decrease absenteeism by 28%.
63%
Healthcare workers visit 63% more households.
50%
Women recorded 50% higher earnings from work.
Lucy | Entrepreneur
Lucy, a village savings and loan bank agent and businesswoman in Malawi, recognizes the connection between financial security and mobility. “Poverty is a hindrance. Without the bicycle, businesses, errands are impossible.” Today, on her Buffalo Bicycle, spends more time with her clients and has expanded her fish business by traveling to more markets. Even her family has made use of the bicycle, running errands, collecting water and easily accessing the hospital.
Aldaina | Student
“What I like most is that it takes me to school,” says Aldaina, a 12-year-old student in rural Colombia, says of her Buffalo Bicycle. Not only does she arrive at class in half the time, her family also saves money on transportation. With the time she saves, Aldaina plays with her sister and weaves bags to help support her family. “Riding my bicycle feels like freedom,” she says.
Mary | Mechanic
17 years ago, Mary was selected for World Bicycle Relief’s mechanic training program in Zambia. In addition to this work, Mary also has a family, leads a group of youth in developing their gardening skills, and sells her own vegetables at the market. “The bicycle program has really helped me because, from some profit, I am able to buy food for my family.” And her experience being in a position that is generally held by men? “They bring a lot of bicycles to see or maybe to prove if at all I can really do it.” She laughs as she says it’s good for business!
Florence | Education
Florence, a Mother Group Chairperson in Malawi, plays a vital role in her community’s school by advising girl students on the importance of education and providing sanitary materials and school materials such as books and uniforms. Without the funds to hire transport, Florence used to walk up to 2 hours to reach students’ homes. Thanks to her Buffalo Bicycle, her commute has improved - as have girl students’ outcomes. “Girls’ retention has improved because we are able to visit the girls. With the bicycle, all students are supported from Monday to Friday.”
