Join World Bicycle Relief’s Global Fundraiser ‘Pedal to Empower’ to Support Women and Children
Sign up to ride in World Bicycle Relief’s “Pedal to Empower” fundraiser on June 5, and help women and children in rural areas around the world access education, healthcare, and more.
Proceeds will go towards providing bicycles for women and children in need.
While organized rides are being held in Chicago, San Francisco, and New York, you can participate with your own solo ride or group (or virtual!) ride, wherever you live.
On June 5, World Bicycle Relief is hosting a global “Pedal to Empower” ride to raise money to improve the lives of women and girls across the world.
World Bicycle Relief is a global nonprofit that seeks to improve peoples’ lives through the Buffalo Bicycle, a durable, reliable bike designed by the nonprofit to be a mode of transportation in rural areas. The concept is simple: by supplying those in need with an efficient mode of transportation, such as a bicycle, they can then have greater access to education and healthcare, can improve their economic circumstances, and help bridge the gender equality gap.
The annual ride is being organized in three U.S. cities—Chicago, New York, and San Francisco—in accordance with local health regulations. However you can participate even if you don’t live in those cities by organizing your own “DIY adventure ride.” There’s also a virtual option.
There’s no required registration fee for the DIY option, though a donation is recommended. One Buffalo Bicycle costs $150—a small price to pay for potentially changing someone’s life.
“The global DIY rides are really the heart of this year’s Pedal to Empower event, and we’re excited to have already seen riders from more than 30 countries registered,” Sonja Ejups, event manager for World Bicycle Relief, told Bicycling. “We’ve put together a team captain toolkit that guides team assembly, route planning, and really all of the information you would need to create a team, set up a great ride, and, of course, share your experiences through your favorite social media channels to help raise funds and awareness for the cause while celebrating your ride.”
Additionally, Rapha released a line of limited-edition gear—including a jersey, tshirts, and a buff—celebrating the Pedal to Empower fundraiser. You can find it all here.
World Bicycle Relief ambassadors will be setting out on their own adventures on June 5, including world champion mountain biker Rebecca Rusch and ultra-cyclist Lael Wilcox, who will be completing her “Pedal to Empower” ride at the 355-mile Unbound XL gravel race.
For World Bicycle Relief ambassador Carlos Perea, joining the nonprofit’s mission was no-brainer.
“Bicycles have given me so much, in terms of physical and mental health, adventure, and the list goes on,” Perea said. “Pedal to Empower is another opportunity for me to spread the word, but it's also a day where I can challenge myself to do something really hard… I’m riding nearly 70 miles with 8000 feet of climbing (and it’s 70 percent dirt!) tomorrow in Vermont. It’s going to be bananas.”
Ambassador Victoria Di Savino, captain of Team Grinta in Montana, was the top fundraiser for the 2020 ride. And she’s seen firsthand how powerful a bicycle can be to those in rural communities.
“I had the privilege of witnessing World Bicycle Relief’s impact in rural Zambian communities. As a result, my perception of bicycles switched from being a tool that enhances my life to a vehicle that saves lives. The world feels different when experienced from the seat of a Buffalo Bicycle. It focused my energy on human connection and compassion rather than personal winnings. Since then, my goal has been to spread the word so more girls, women and entire communities in underdeveloped countries can have a chance to survive and thrive with bicycles.”
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