BICYCLES BUFFER CRISES-THEN ACCELERATE RECOVERY: LANDMARK TWO-YEAR RCT IN ZAMBIA PUTS MOBILITY POVERTY ON THE POLICY AGENDA

A groundbreaking study announced today by World Bicycle Relief and IDinsight provides the strongest evidence yet that simple, reliable bicycles can build climate resilience and accelerate recovery in mobility-challenged rural communities—transforming how governments and development agencies think about last-mile transportation. Results from the two-year randomized controlled trial (RCT) in Zambia’s rural Mumbwa District show that when adults gain access to reliable bicycles-supported by local shops, trained mechanics, and spare parts—they don’t just move faster. They earn more, eat better, have access to more services, and recover sooner after economic and environmental shocks.

The study followed more than 1,300 adults and community health workers over two years, a period that coincided with one of Zambia’s worst droughts in four decades. In the first year, households with bicycles maintained income and food security, while the control group experienced a steep decline in living standards.

Likewise, the control group only saw slow, partial recovery, while bicycle recipients surged ahead. In the second year, bicycle recipients’ incomes rose by up to 50% for women, and overall consumption climbed by 29%. Community health workers also used their bicycles six times more often per month to transport patients to health facilities. The data offers rare proof that bicycle mobility can accelerate recovery, build household resilience, and strengthen rural economies.

Key Findings — IDinsight Mobilized Communities Impact Evaluation RCT Endline 2:

Bicycles accelerate recovery and growth. Even after Zambia’s worst drought in 40 years, households with bicycles rebounded faster than those without.

Household welfare improved across the board. Families with bicycles had 29% higher monthly household consumption (~$47).

Women experienced the greatest gains. Women with bicycles earned 50% more income and saved 70% more monthly.

Health workers increased access to facilities. Community health workers (CHWs) transported sick patients six more times per month.

Income and business revenue grew steadily. Livelihood group members earned 37% more income and 28% more business revenue.

Time savings led to productivity gains. Bicycle users saved roughly an hour per day and relied 30% less on motorized transport.

Households accumulated more assets and savings. Long-term wealth building increased.

Food security and diet quality improved. Dietary diversity increased by 11%.

Psychological well-being strengthened. Households reported higher life satisfaction and agency.

“This study confirms what we see every day in our programs,” said Dave Neiswander, CEO of World Bicycle Relief. “A bicycle is more than transport-it’s a catalytic tool. It gives people back their time, connects them to opportunity, and builds resilience that endures beyond crisis.”

From Evidence to Policy & Scale:

A complementary cost-effectiveness analysis by IDinsight, grounded in the study’s finding that bicycle ownership increases household consumption by $47 per month, estimates a 14.7× social return on investment over five years—meaning every dollar invested في World Bicycle Relief’s Buffalo Bicycles generates nearly fifteen dollars in social and economic value. As governments, donors, and implementing partners seek proven solutions to strengthen access to healthcare, education, and livelihoods, the evidence makes one point unmistakably clear: investing in bicycle mobility is investing in resilience, productivity, and progress.

For more information or to access the full study—including Year One results—visit: https://worldbicyclerelief.org/idinsight