Accessibility Statement Skip Navigation
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • +44 (0)20 7454 5110
  • Client Login
  • Send a Release
Return to PR Newswire homepage
  • News
  • Products
  • Contact
When typing in this field, a list of search results will appear and be automatically updated as you type.

Searching for your content...

No results found. Please change your search terms and try again.
  • News in Focus
      • Browse News Releases

      • All Public Company News
      • All Multimedia News
      • View All News Releases

      • Regulatory News

      • D/A/CH Regulatory News
      • UK Regulatory News
      • View All Regulatory News

  • Business & Money
      • Auto & Transportation

      • Aerospace & Defense
      • Air Freight
      • Airlines & Aviation
      • Automotive
      • Maritime & Shipbuilding
      • Railroads & Intermodal Transportation
      • Supply Chain/Logistics
      • Transportation, Trucking & Railroad
      • Travel
      • Trucking & Road Transportation
      • View All Auto & Transportation

      • Business Technology

      • Blockchain
      • Broadcast Tech
      • Computer & Electronics
      • Computer Hardware
      • Computer Software
      • Data Analytics
      • Electronic Commerce
      • Electronic Components
      • Electronic Design Automation
      • Financial Technology
      • High Tech Security
      • Internet Technology
      • Nanotechnology
      • Networks
      • Peripherals
      • Semiconductors
      • View All Business Technology

      • Entertain­ment & Media

      • Advertising
      • Art
      • Books
      • Entertainment
      • Film & Motion Picture
      • Magazines
      • Music
      • Publishing & Information Services
      • Radio & Podcast
      • Television
      • View All Entertain­ment & Media

      • Financial Services & Investing

      • Accounting News & Issues
      • Acquisitions, Mergers & Takeovers
      • Banking & Financial Services
      • Bankruptcy
      • Bond & Stock Ratings
      • Conference Call Announcements
      • Contracts
      • Cryptocurrency
      • Dividends
      • Earnings
      • Earnings Forecasts & Projections
      • Financing Agreements
      • Insurance
      • Investments Opinions
      • Joint Ventures
      • Mutual Funds
      • Private Placement
      • Real Estate
      • Restructuring & Recapitalisation
      • Sales Reports
      • Shareholder Activism
      • Shareholder Meetings
      • Stock Offering
      • Stock Split
      • Venture Capital
      • View All Financial Services & Investing

      • General Business

      • Awards
      • Commercial Real Estate
      • Corporate Expansion
      • Earnings
      • Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
      • Human Resource & Workforce Management
      • Licensing
      • New Products & Services
      • Obituaries
      • Outsourcing Businesses
      • Overseas Real Estate (non-US)
      • Personnel Announcements
      • Real Estate Transactions
      • Residential Real Estate
      • Small Business Services
      • Socially Responsible Investing
      • Surveys, Polls & Research
      • Trade Show News
      • View All General Business

  • Science & Tech
      • Consumer Technology

      • Artificial Intelligence
      • Blockchain
      • Cloud Computing/Internet of Things
      • Computer Electronics
      • Computer Hardware
      • Computer Software
      • Consumer Electronics
      • Cryptocurrency
      • Data Analytics
      • Electronic Commerce
      • Electronic Gaming
      • Financial Technology
      • Mobile Entertainment
      • Multimedia & Internet
      • Peripherals
      • Social Media
      • STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math)
      • Supply Chain/Logistics
      • Wireless Communications
      • View All Consumer Technology

      • Energy & Natural Resources

      • Alternative Energies
      • Chemical
      • Electrical Utilities
      • Gas
      • General Manufacturing
      • Mining
      • Mining & Metals
      • Oil & Energy
      • Oil & Gas Discoveries
      • Utilities
      • Water Utilities
      • View All Energy & Natural Resources

      • Environ­ment

      • Conservation & Recycling
      • Environmental Issues
      • Environmental Policy
      • Environmental Products & Services
      • Green Technology
      • Natural Disasters
      • View All Environ­ment

      • Heavy Industry & Manufacturing

      • Aerospace & Defence
      • Agriculture
      • Chemical
      • Construction & Building
      • General Manufacturing
      • HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air-Conditioning)
      • Machinery
      • Machine Tools, Metalworking & Metallurgy
      • Mining
      • Mining & Metals
      • Paper, Forest Products & Containers
      • Precious Metals
      • Textiles
      • Tobacco
      • View All Heavy Industry & Manufacturing

      • Telecomm­unications

      • Carriers & Services
      • Mobile Entertainment
      • Networks
      • Peripherals
      • Telecommunications Equipment
      • Telecommunications Industry
      • VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
      • Wireless Communications
      • View All Telecomm­unications

  • Lifestyle & Health
      • Consumer Products & Retail

      • Animals & Pets
      • Beers, Wines & Spirits
      • Beverages
      • Bridal Services
      • Cannabis
      • Cosmetics & Personal Care
      • Fashion
      • Food & Beverages
      • Furniture & Furnishings
      • Home Improvement
      • Household, Consumer & Cosmetics
      • Household Products
      • Jewellery
      • Non-Alcoholic Beverages
      • Office Products
      • Organic Food
      • Product Recalls
      • Restaurants
      • Retail
      • Supermarkets
      • Toys
      • View All Consumer Products & Retail

      • Entertain­ment & Media

      • Advertising
      • Art
      • Books
      • Entertainment
      • Film & Motion Picture
      • Magazines
      • Music
      • Publishing & Information Services
      • Radio & Podcast
      • Television
      • View All Entertain­ment & Media

      • Health

      • Biometrics
      • Biotechnology
      • Clinical Trials & Medical Discoveries
      • Dentistry
      • FDA Approval
      • Fitness/Wellness
      • Health Care & Hospitals
      • Health Insurance
      • Infection Control
      • International Medical Approval
      • Medical Equipment
      • Medical Pharmaceuticals
      • Mental Health
      • Pharmaceuticals
      • Supplementary Medicine
      • View All Health

      • Sports

      • General Sports
      • Outdoors, Camping & Hiking
      • Sporting Events
      • Sports Equipment & Accessories
      • View All Sports

      • Travel

      • Amusement Parks & Tourist Attractions
      • Gambling & Casinos
      • Hotels & Resorts
      • Leisure & Tourism
      • Outdoors, Camping & Hiking
      • Passenger Aviation
      • Travel Industry
      • View All Travel

  • Policy & Public Interest
      • Policy & Public Interest

      • Animal Welfare
      • Corporate Social Responsibility
      • Economic News, Trends & Analysis
      • Education
      • Environmental
      • European Government
      • Labour & Union
      • Natural Disasters
      • Not For Profit
      • Public Safety
      • View All Policy & Public Interest

  • People & Culture
      • People & Culture

      • Aboriginal, First Nations & Native American
      • African American
      • Asian American
      • Children
      • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
      • Hispanic
      • Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual
      • Men's Interest
      • People with Disabilities
      • Religion
      • Senior Citizens
      • Veterans
      • Women
      • View All People & Culture

  • Overview
  • Distribution
  • Paid Placement
  • Multimedia
  • Disclosure Services
  • SocialBoost
  • Rooms
    • MediaRoom
    • ESG Rooms
  • AI Tools
  • General Enquiries
  • Media Enquiries
  • Partnerships
  • Hamburger menu
  • Cision PR Newswire UK provides press release distribution, targeting, monitoring, and marketing services
  • Send a Release
    • Phone

    • +44 (0)20 7454 5110 from 8 AM - 5:30 PM GMT

    • ALL CONTACT INFO
    • Contact Us

      +44 (0)20 7454 5110
      from 8 AM - 5:30 PM GMT

  • Client Login
  • Send a Release
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • News in Focus
    • Browse News Releases
    • Regulatory News
  • Business & Money
    • Auto & Transportation
    • Business Technology
    • Entertain­ment & Media
    • Financial Services & Investing
    • General Business
  • Science & Tech
    • Consumer Technology
    • Energy & Natural Resources
    • Environ­ment
    • Heavy Industry & Manufacturing
    • Telecomm­unications
  • Lifestyle & Health
    • Consumer Products & Retail
    • Entertain­ment & Media
    • Health
    • Sports
    • Travel
  • Policy & Public Interest
    • Policy & Public Interest
  • People & Culture
    • People & Culture
  • Client Login
  • Send a Release
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • Overview
  • Distribution
  • Paid Placement
  • Multimedia
  • Disclosure Services
  • Cision Communications Cloud®
  • AI Tools
  • Client Login
  • Send a Release
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • General Enquiries
  • Media Enquiries
  • Partnerships
  • Client Login
  • Send a Release
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists

Groundbreaking Research Proves Bicycles Power Economic Growth and Healthcare Access


News provided by

World Bicycle Relief

22 Oct, 2024, 06:00 GMT

Share this article

Share toX

Share this article

Share toX

Landmark Study by World Bicycle Relief and IDinsight Provides Critical Evidence on the Power of Bicycles to Boost Livelihoods and Empower Rural Communities 

LUSAKA, Zambia, Oct. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- World Bicycle Relief (WBR), a non-profit social enterprise that supports rural and remote communities by helping adults and children overcome transportation barriers, in collaboration with IDInsight, today announced the results of a pioneering randomized controlled trial (RCT) that demonstrates the transformative impact of bicycles on livelihoods and health service delivery among adults in rural Zambia. With a particular focus on outcomes for women, the study provides robust evidence that bicycles can significantly improve access to essential services, boost economic productivity, and build resilience in some of the world's most underserved communities.

In many rural, remote communities, mobility poverty—the lack of safe, affordable, and reliable transportation—acts as a significant barrier, keeping individuals from accessing essential services and opportunities. In Africa, 70% of rural populations face this challenge, often forced to walk long distances to reach schools, health facilities, or markets1. 

In commissioning this research study, World Bicycle Relief sought to demonstrate how bicycles could address these challenges through a rigorous, evidence-based approach. This research was initiated to provide critical data on how improved mobility with bicycles can transform livelihoods by increasing economic productivity, enhancing access to healthcare, and building resilience in the face of environmental shocks.

"This research highlights the transformative impact that bicycles can play in overcoming mobility poverty, inequality, and systemic challenges faced by rural communities," said Dave Neiswander, CEO of World Bicycle Relief. "The study findings clearly demonstrate how providing reliable transportation with bicycles unlocks access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities—fundamental elements that allow individuals and communities to thrive."

Study Design and Approach

The RCT was conducted in the Mumbwa District of rural Zambia and included 1,227 livelihoods group members and 261 community service workers, with nearly 70% of participants being women. Participants were divided into two groups: 50% of participants were provided with bicycles, while the control group continued without bicycles during the study period. Program participants in the control group will be provided with bicycles after the completion of the study. This method allowed researchers to rigorously assess the causal impact of bicycles on economic, health, and social outcomes in the participating communities.

Key Findings from the Study:

The RCT, conducted over the course of a year during one of Zambia's most severe droughts, provides the first rigorous analysis of how bicycles impact livelihoods, especially in rural and marginalized communities. Key findings include:

  • Income Boost: Households that received bicycles reported a 43% higher average monthly income compared to the control group and 24% higher average consumption. Women who received bicycles saw even greater gains, recording 50% higher earnings per month from work compared to women in the control group.

  • Healthcare Access: Bicycle recipients were 36% more likely to access healthcare when needed. Community health workers with bicycles served 63% more households, greatly expanding healthcare access in remote areas.

  • Business Impact: Business owners with bicycles recorded a 53% higher revenue per month compared to the control group, underscoring the economic power of improved mobility.

  • Social Empowerment for Women: Women who received bicycles experienced significant social benefits, with a 60-percentage point reduction in the likelihood of canceling travel outside their communities. Increased mobility improved women's life satisfaction by 11%, giving them greater self-esteem and decision-making power within households.

  • Climate Resilience: The study provides unique insights into how bicycles help build resilience in the face of climate shocks. Households without bicycles saw a decline in income and consumption during Zambia's severe drought, while those with bicycles were able to maintain their consumption and increase income levels, demonstrating the role of mobility in strengthening climate adaptability at the household level.

Significance of the Research

"This RCT is a landmark study for understanding the role of mobility in addressing poverty, inequality and building resilience in rural communities," said Jeff McManus, Senior Economist at IDinsight. "The findings, together with findings from an earlier RCT of the impacts of giving bicycles to schoolchildren in Zambia, provide compelling evidence that bicycle interventions have far-reaching impacts on economic stability, healthcare access, and education outcomes, especially in rural, marginalized communities. It is a privilege to partner with World Bicycle Relief on such an important project that has the potential to inform strategies for improving livelihoods in poor and marginalized communities."

Implications for Global Development

This study builds on previous research, including WBR's 'Wheels for Change2' study, which highlighted the role of bicycles in improving girls' education. Together, these RCTs provide powerful evidence of how bicycle mobility interventions can address systemic challenges faced by rural communities, particularly for women and marginalized groups.

"With this research, World Bicycle Relief is uniquely positioned to lead scalable, sustainable mobility interventions that can be integrated into broader development programs focused on education, healthcare, and economic opportunities," Neiswander added. "As global organizations seek proven strategies to tackle mobility poverty, bicycles offer a practical, scalable solution, and we are excited to be at the forefront of delivering this impact."

A Call to Action

The findings from this study provide a roadmap for governments, donors, NGOs, and development partners to incorporate bicycles as part of a holistic approach to poverty alleviation and rural development. World Bicycle Relief is calling on international development partners and policymakers to invest in scalable mobility solutions that can drive economic and social progress in rural areas.

For more information or to access the full reports, please visit worldbicyclerelief.org/idinsight

*References: 

1. Global Mobility Report, 2017, Sustainable Mobility for All Initiative

2. World Bicycle Relief, Wheels of Change RCT Study, 2017- 2018

About World Bicycle Relief:
Founded in 2005, World Bicycle Relief mobilizes people through the Power of Bicycles. As a pioneering non-profit social enterprise, World Bicycle Relief has distributed over 790,000 bicycles to provide greater access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, uplifting communities worldwide. Discover more about our mission, impact, and vision at WorldBicycleRelief.org. 

About IDinsight
IDinsight is a mission-driven global advisory, data analytics, and research organization that helps global development leaders maximize their social impact. We tailor a wide range of data and evidence tools, including randomized evaluations and machine learning, to help decision-makers design effective programs and rigorously test what works to support communities. We work with governments, multilateral agencies, foundations, and innovative non-profit organizations in Asia and Africa. We work across a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, education, health, governance, sanitation, and financial inclusion. We have team members who are remote and have offices in Dakar, Lusaka, Manila, Nairobi, New Delhi, and Rabat.

Modal title

Also from this source

World Bicycle Relief Launches Major Initiative to Alleviate Mobility Poverty in Tanzania, Empowering 45,000 Rural Residents by 2026

World Bicycle Relief Launches Major Initiative to Alleviate Mobility Poverty in Tanzania, Empowering 45,000 Rural Residents by 2026

World Bicycle Relief (WBR) today announced the expansion of its operations into Tanzania as part of an ambitious initiative to alleviate mobility...

More Releases From This Source

Explore

Transportation, Trucking & Railroad

Transportation, Trucking & Railroad

Health Care & Hospitals

Health Care & Hospitals

Education

Education

Not For Profit

Not For Profit

News Releases in Similar Topics

Contact PR Newswire

  • +44 (0)20 7454 5110
    from 8 AM - 5:30 PM GMT
  • General Enquiries
  • Media Enquiries
  • Partnerships

Products

  • Content Distribution
  • Multimedia Services
  • Disclosure Services
  • Cision Communications Cloud®

About

  • About PR Newswire
  • About Cision
  • Partnering Opportunities
  • Careers
  • APAC
  • APAC - Simplified Chinese
  • APAC - Traditional Chinese
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • Czech
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Israel
  • Japan
  • Korea
  • Mexico
  • Middle East
  • Middle East - Arabic
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Russia
  • Slovakia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • United States
  • Vietnam

My Services

  • All News Releases
  • Customer Portal
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
  • Data Privacy

Do not sell or share my personal information:

  • Submit via Privacy@cision.com 
  • Call Privacy toll-free: 877-297-8921

Contact PR Newswire

Products

About

My Services
  • All News Releases
  • Customer Portal
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Journalists
+44 (0)20 7454 5110
from 8 AM - 5:30 PM GMT
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Information Security Policy
  • Site Map
  • RSS
  • Cookie Settings
Copyright © 2025 PR Newswire Europe Limited. All Rights Reserved. A Cision company.