As we reflect on 20 years of World Bicycle Relief, we’re honored to recognize 20 extraordinary partners who have powered this movement with us.
These organizations, groups and individuals have brought vision, generosity, innovation and heart to our shared mission: to eliminate the barrier of distance through the Power of Bicycles.
From providing tens of thousands of Buffalo Bicycles to championing rural mobility in government policy and inspiring fundraisers, their impact reaches far beyond numbers.
Together, we’ve impacted millions—students, health workers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers—and built a global community dedicated to opportunity on two wheels. We’re proud to celebrate these partners who have helped create a worldwide force for good.
AMREF and World Bicycle Relief partner to improve healthcare access in rural Africa by providing Buffalo Bicycles to community health workers. Buffalo Bicycles enable AMREF-trained healthcare workers to travel longer distances more efficiently, reach more patients, treat life-threatening diseases such as malaria, and deliver essential care and supplies. Together, we’re helping strengthen health systems and expand the reach of life-saving services in hard-to-reach communities.
Bill and Pam Keith’s story exemplifies the heart of World Bicycle Relief. Bill, a SRAM employee and longtime supporter of World Bicycle Relief, died suddenly in 2013. Honoring Bill’s legacy through the Power of Bicycles, Pam launched a fundraising initiative and visited Zambia. Her words to recipients—”This is the ultimate tribute I could imagine for him”—continue to inspire our community. Today, their fundraising efforts are nearing the $147,000 goal she set 12 years ago!
Since 2019, CAMFED and World Bicycle Relief have collaborated to empower adolescent girls and young women in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi. Most recently, CAMFED supported the training of 50 female bicycle mechanics in Malawi, of which 30 will work as interns in Buffalo Bicycle retail shops. With CAMFED’s focus on education and economic opportunities with World Bicycle Relief’s mobility solution, this partnership helps remove barriers to school and employment opportunities for young women so that they can safely transition to a secure and fulfilling adulthood.
Cartier Philanthropy is dedicated to fostering long-term, positive change by tackling the multifaceted challenges of poverty—mobility among them. Their three-year support of the Mobilized Communities project in Zambia (2021–2023), along with capacity-building investments and a renewed commitment through 2026, reinforces our shared mission: to empower vulnerable communities with bicycles and expand access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity.
Since 2018, citizenM’s citizenMovement initiative has raised over $6 million for World Bicycle Relief. Their long-term commitment has provided mobility for more than 90,000 people and distributed over 18,000 Buffalo Bicycles in Malawi, demonstrating the powerful impact a partner can have in driving social change. Through innovative guest engagement—like donating every time a guest opts out of room cleaning—citizenM has created a unique, sustainable model for corporate social impact.
Known for his continent-spanning bike rides, DJ JaBig brings rhythm, resilience, and reach to World Bicycle Relief’s mission. His epic cross-country journeys—solo, unsupported, and powered by purpose—have helped raise awareness and funds for the Power of Bicycles. Whether cycling across Canada in winter or through remote landscapes in Africa, JaBig’s dedication turns every mile into a movement for mobility, equity and hope.
In 2011, blogger Elden Nelson—known as the Fat Cyclist—leveraged his platform to launch the Grand Slam for Zambia, fundraising enough to donate 1,000 Buffalo Bicycles and amplify awareness of World Bicycle Relief’s mission. Over the years, Elden’s creativity, humor, and heartfelt storytelling inspired a groundswell of support—ultimately raising over $1 million for World Bicycle Relief. His legacy demonstrates the extraordinary impact that one passionate voice can have in sustaining our global impact.
A pillar of World Bicycle Relief’s supply chain, Giant Group has supported World Bicycle Relief since 2010 with product development support and manufacturing of our Buffalo Bicycles. And their annual Ride Like King event rallies riders from around the world to raise funds for the Power of Bicycles. This year, the event contributed to a record 700 bicycles raised! Their commitment runs deep, with a dedicated World Bicycle Relief museum at their Taiwan HQ. In 2024, CEO Phoebe Liu accepted our Trailblazer Award, celebrating 15 years of transformative partnership.
In 2021, professional cyclist Lachlan Morton captured global attention with the Alt Tour—riding the entire Tour de France route completely unsupported. His effort captured global imagination and raised over £500,000 for World Bicycle Relief. Lachlan’s journey didn’t stop there: in 2022, he visited World Bicycle Relief’s programs in Colombia, deepening his commitment and advocacy. Through bold rides and heartfelt storytelling, Lachlan continues to champion the life-changing power of bicycles. As Lachlan said, “Providing a bike—access to transportation—can really be life-changing.”
Sociologist, cycling advocate, and the originator of World Bicycle Day, Leszek J. Sibilski was instrumental in creating this annual observance, which underscores the bicycle’s significance as a tool for sustainable development, health, and mobility. As World Bicycle Relief’s inaugural Trailblazer Award recipient, his vision aligns deeply with our mission and underscores our shared commitment to advancing mobility worldwide.
Since 2017, The Peter Gilgan Foundation has been a catalyst for generosity through their own giving as well as inspiring donations through matching campaigns such as at the 11 Gran Fondo. Their strategic support exemplifies how philanthropy can unlock new levels of community giving and long-term impact generating millions of dollars in support of World Bicycle Relief’s mission.
Postobon was the pioneer partner that first brought Buffalo Bicycles to Latin America, building on World Bicycle Relief’s experience in education programs and launching their MiBici Postobon program in 2015 in Colombia. Over the past 10 years, Postobon has delivered 15,766 bicycles to youth across 131 towns in 24 departments of Colombia, greatly reducing commuting times, saving money, reducing desertion and helping families use their bicycles to access markets. Recognizing the achievements of 10 years of Mibici, Postobon President Miguel Fernando Escobar says: “Where there is a bicycle, there is hope. Mi Bici is an inspirational representation of our superior purpose: Together, we embrace life by creating experiences and transforming moments, moving forward towards a sustainable world.”
Since 2017, Randstad N.V. has supported our mission through employee engagement. Their global partnership, launched with staff involvement and followed by a first donation in 2018, reflects our shared vision of improving mobility and access to decent work. “More than 60 years ago, our founder, Frits Goldschmeding, brought Randstad’s first temp worker to her new job in Amsterdam – on his own bicycle. This inspired us to support World Bicycle Relief to empower people to conquer the challenge of distance and get to school or work.” Randstad has supported the expansion of bicycle mobility solutions in Zimbabwe and now Tanzania.
Adventure athlete, author, and activist Rebecca Rusch has been a steadfast champion for World Bicycle Relief since 2013. Through her endurance events—including Rebecca’s Private Idaho and a historic ride up Mount Kilimanjaro—Rebecca has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and brought global attention to our mission. Her Be Good Foundation continues to amplify our shared vision of mobility and empowerment. In 2020, Rebecca received World Bicycle Relief’s Trailblazer Award in recognition of her unwavering commitment to the Power of Bicycles.
Senator Richard Durbin’s advocacy has been instrumental in elevating bicycles within U.S. foreign aid policy. Through leadership on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee and the introduction of the Bicycles for Rural African Transport Act, Durbin has championed the transformative role of bicycles in rural mobility and development. He recently reintroduced the Transport Act for consideration.
One of World Bicycle Relief’s founding and most influential partners, SRAM has been integral to our growth since 2005. From supporting tsunami relief to driving innovation in Buffalo Bicycle design, SRAM continues to be a multi-level partner deeply embedded in our marketing, events, employee wellness, and strategic direction.
Since 2014, Techbikers—a community of tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors—has combined networking with purpose. Their annual rides and fundraising efforts contribute up to €100K per year, fostering new connections and expanding our corporate supporter base, particularly in Germany.
A partner since our inception, Trek Bicycle has contributed extensively through financial support, product development, major campaigns, and event engagement. Trek’s sustained commitment has helped change countless lives through the Power of Bicycles and continues to energize supporters across the cycling industry and beyond.
World Bicycle Relief and UNICEF have worked in Colombia, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Uganda to provide Buffalo Bicycles through UNICEF’s programs. In Colombia, beginning in 2024, UNICEF’s WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) and education programs provided students in La Guajira with 500 bicycles to date. This collaboration has helped provide transportation to help young people reach school more efficiently while also enabling critical access to safe and clean water. In Malawi, UNICEF has purchased more than 9,000 bicycles to use in their various projects. Globally UNICEF has purchased more than 13,000 Buffalo bicycles for their education and health programs across the World. We’re grateful for a partnership that reflects a shared commitment to removing barriers to education and health through integrated, community-centered solutions.
World Vision was one of World Bicycle Relief’s very first partners, collaborating in Sri Lanka in 2005 and on the RAPIDs program in Zambia in 2007. Over the past 20 years, World Vision has purchased and deployed thousands of Buffalo Bicycles to enhance education, healthcare, and livelihoods across our operating countries—laying the foundation for World Bicycle Relief’s global impact and enabling access to Buffalo Bicycles for thousands of people. In Malawi 1,739 Buffalo Bicycles have been invested into Global Fund projects through World Vision into health workers and as well as women and adolescent women.