Founded in 2005, the organization designs, manufactures, and distributes purpose-built bicycles to help individuals and communities gain access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.

The organization’s mission is to provide reliable, affordable, and purpose-designed bicycles, as well as mechanics and spare parts, to foster independence and sustainable development in underserved areas.

Leah Missbach Day, a documentary photographer, used her skills to highlight the devastation caused by the tsunami, bringing attention to the needs of the affected communities.

In 2024, a revised version of the bike was announced, incorporating user feedback and technological improvements to better serve communities in some of the world’s harshest environments.

This durable bike is the result of a unique collaboration between World Bicycle Relief and industry leaders such as SRAM, Trek, Giant Group, and Karasawa.

These organizations contributed product design expertise and testing capabilities to create a stronger, simpler, and more sustainable bicycle that addresses the critical mobility needs of communities where transportation is a significant barrier to accessing essential services.

Direct feedback from end users has been instrumental in refining the bicycle’s design to meet the real-world needs of riders, ensuring it is highly functional and durable in challenging environments.

Tested and assembled in program countries, the Buffalo Bicycle is compatible with local spare parts and provides an affordable, reliable transport solution that improves access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

This approach has mobilized thousands of individuals from diverse sectors, backgrounds, and age groups, helping them access essential services and economic opportunities, creating long-lasting change for themselves and their communities.