Bicycles Change Lives - updated 15 July 2010
Transport and development go hand-in-hand. Virtually everything traded, must be transported, and almost everyone needs wheels to get to work or school. Simple, affordable transport generates wealth in developing countries, as well as saving lots of time and back-breaking work.
In Britain, millions of bikes are thrown away or lie unused in sheds, whilst many people in Africa have no access to transport of any kind. Walking can take up-to 4 hours per day (collecting water, or walking to school). The burden can cripple a family, hampering work and education opportunities. A bicycle cuts travel time to a fraction, even carrying passengers and heavy loads. Bikes give families the extra time to earn, learn and enjoy life.
The ever growing list below shows the countries that the bikes have been sent to since we started shipping to Africa in 1998. Currently at 95, we look forward to sending the 100th shipment hopefully by the end of 2010 which will be another fantastic landmark.
| bike counter | | total: | 34,403 |
|---|
Cameroon | 364 | Liberia | 1,133 |
Congo | 80 | Namibia | 1,836 |
The Gambia | 1,574 | Nigeria | 100 |
Ghana | 14,580 | Sierra Leone | 85 |
Haiti | 350 | South Africa | 10,948 |
Kenya | 1,141 | Uganda | 1,013 |
Lesotho | 453 | Zambia | 746 |