15 years of World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief celebrate 15 years of helping people in developing countries have access to bicycles with the launch of its new campaign ‘Faces of Change’.

The campaign aims to support WBR’s fundraising efforts globally by exploring the stories of 15 inspiring people from WBR’s journey and to show how supporters can help impact these countries over the next 15 years and beyond.

WBR has recognised 15 ‘Community Champions’ across the world who have made a notable contribution to raising awareness of their mission, with two hailing from the U.K.. Two recipients have also been chosen for the ‘Trailblazer Award’ for their outstanding work in aid of WBR.

World Bicycle Relief Global CEO Dave Neiswander said: “The events of the past year have made it clear that, more than ever, bicycles and community-led programming play a vital role in promoting sustainable change to address transportation needs

15 years forward

WBR was founded after the Sri Lankan tsunami of 2005 where WBR’s founder F. K. Day recognised healthcare workers would benefit from an easy means of transport to continue the disaster relief efforts.

Additionally, in Sub-Saharan Africa, a bicycle enables children to get to school and helps them remain in education, it supports local entrepreneurs developing their businesses and it provides freedom for women.

World Bicycle Relief enlisted the help of cycling industry engineers to create the ‘Buffalo Bike’ – a strong and durable bicycle purpose-built for rugged conditions, heavy loads and gruelling daily use. Locally trained mechanics assemble the bikes after parts have been delivered, supporting their users on the ground.

Since 2015, WBR has delivered 527,820 life-changing bicycles, trained 2,455 mechanics, and helped to give communities across 21 countries the lasting support they need to change their world with two wheels.

15 Community Champions & 2 Trailblazers

WBR has honoured global lifestyle and hotel brand citizenM and adventure athlete Rebecca Rusch with the “Trailblazer Award” for their dedicated support and challenging conventional thinking around the complex issues of transportation, poverty, social justice.

Additionally, 15 ‘Community Champions’ have been chosen as part of WBR’s anniversary celebrations. The two recipients from the U.K are digital media channel Global Cycling Network and 12-year old cyclist Ruby Isaac. Globally they are joined by: Accell Group; Bruce Wilkinson; Equator Coffees; Giant Group; inGamba Tours; Les Domestiques; MTB News; Quad Lock; Saris; Signature Cycles; SRAM; and ZF Hilft.

World Bicycle Relief’s UK Chief Executive, Allison Dufosee, said: “These individuals and companies have committed to the Power of Bicycles and their work has been inspiring to us all. We are thrilled to honour their efforts as part of our 15-year anniversary celebrations. 2020 has been a challenging year for our team, the people we serve and our supporters. It’s incredible that people are continuing to step up and come together when communities in developing countries need help most.”