Mobility poverty a lack of accessible, affordable transportation affects one billion people living in rural and remote, underserved areas across the globe. Far from the nearest road, these individuals often resort to walking as their primary mode of transport. Women and girls, youth, and marginalised groups are disproportionately affected; they spend hours walking long distances, ...
World Bicycle Relief
Advancing Health, Education & Livelihoods
GOAL
$81,929
International
Field of Interest
- Community and economic development
- International aid and development
Target Population
- People experiencing socio-economic disadvantage or vulnerability
- Women and girls
World Bicycle Relief
Founded in 2005, World Bicycle Relief (WBR) works globally in underserved regions, where millions lack reliable transportation. By providing access to affordable, purpose-built bicycles and a market-led bicycle ecosystem, we empower individuals and communities with greater independence and improved outcomes in healthcare, education, and economic opportunities so they can thrive. Our efforts focus on empowering women and girls, youth, and marginalised communities.
Project Summary
Mobility poverty a lack of accessible, affordable transportation affects one billion people living in rural and remote, underserved areas across the globe. Far from the nearest road, these individuals often resort to walking as their primary mode of transport. Women and girls, youth, and marginalised groups are disproportionately affected; they spend hours walking long distances, sometimes in harsh or unsafe conditions, to access healthcare, food, water, markets, and education.
More than 70% of Kenya’s 50.6 million people live in rural areas, where mobility poverty is a significant challenge. Thirty percent of rural residents do not have access to an all-season road in some areas; this is as high as 60% limiting safe and reliable travel. Poverty is also widespread, particularly in rural areas 42.9% of the rural population and 33.2% of the urban population lives below the national poverty line. Improving transport connectivity is key to reducing poverty and fostering inclusive economic growth. Founded in 2005, World Bicycle Relief (WBR) works globally in underserved regions, where millions lack reliable transportation. By providing access to affordable, purpose-built bicycles and a market-led bicycle ecosystem, we empower individuals and communities with greater independence and improved outcomes in healthcare, education, and economic opportunities so they can thrive. Our efforts focus on empowering women and girls, youth, and marginalised communities.
Project Outcomes
WBR seeks two types of outcomes: ‘People’ outcomes, which assess the impact of improved mobility on lives; and, ‘Organisational’ outcomes, which assess our organisation’s performance to ensure we are effectively and efficiently improving access to and scaling of bicycle ownership and use.
Our global 2025 to 2027 People outcomes include the following targets: ● 90% annual retention rate for both girls and boys in schools17
● 25% increase in average monthly income for individuals
● 30% increase in households reached by community health workers per month
● 40% boost in productivity by reducing travel time
● 70% of bicycles allocated for women and girls
WBR Kenya’s 2025 to 2027 strategy aims to mobilise an additional 27,000 people through WBR philanthropic bicycles, impacting an additional 135,000 lives. Through May 2025, we have already distributed 2,090 WBR philanthropic bicycles in Kenya. WBR intends to distribute 8,000 bicycles during the year for education, health, economic opportunity, and environment, as detailed in the table below. Please note these allocations are subject to change based on need and conditions. WBR philanthropic bicycles will be deployed in communities in Kakamega, Siaya, Homa Bay, Kisumu, Kitui, Busia, Kwale counties, and for community health workers working with Ministry of Health-aligned and county government-aligned partners, including AMREF, Living Goods, and Catholic Medical Mission Board. They will also serve as matching bicycles in incentivised sales collaborations with government-recognised savings and livelihoods groups located throughout Kenya.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $231,929
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Australian Family Foundation | $150,000 |
| Funding Gap | $81,929 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bicycle Logistics and management | $136,785 |
| Monitoring Evaluation and Learning | $17,929 |
| Program Activities Implementation | $18,000 |
| Technical Mel Design Support | $24,429 |
| Global Funding and Organisation Costs | $34,786 |
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