On My Bike to School Program
During 2022 and 2023, World Bicycle Relief Colombia, in an innovative partnership with the regional government of the Antioquia department, co-created the “On my Bike to School” project, providing technical assistance and supplying 4,080 Buffalo Bicycles out of a total 7,080 bicycles to children at risk of dropping-out in 68 rural towns, with the goal of reducing school dropout rates and improving attendance.
The project involved implementing training and education for students, teachers, local institutions, and community members as well as training local mechanics, around road safety training, safe routes, bicycle maintenance and the monitoring and evaluating of the impact of the strategy.
In recognition of the success of the program, including an average distance of 3.7 kilometres per trip and time savings for students of nearly 50% after 6 months, the project received a special award for innovation by the national Ministry of Education of Colombia.