Our Story

World Bicycle Relief was founded by SRAM corporation in 2005 in response to the Indian Ocean Tsunami.  World Bicycle Relief partnered with aid organizations on the ground in Sri Lanka to distribute over 24,000 bicycles to aid the rebuilding of lives by providing access to education and healthcare and reconnecting workers to their livelihood.

After the success of this disaster relief program in Sri Lanka, World Bicycle Relief was approached by aid organizations working in Sub-Saharan Africa to assist with volunteer healthcare programs in Zambia where 40% of the population was suffering the effects of HIV/AIDS. In partnership with local aid organizations, World Bicycle Relief worked to provide 23,000 specially designed, locally assembled, rugged bicycles to healthcare workers treating HIV/AIDS patients. We also trained local field mechanics to build, maintain and repair bicycles. This program in Zambia led to our work in microfinance, education, social enterprise and field mechanics training programs across Africa.