Banker Leaves Career to Distribute Bikes in Zambia
Dave Neiswander, at age 37, made a remarkable career transition from a successful investment banker in Washington, D.C., to the Chief Executive of World Bicycle Relief (WBR). His inspiration arose during a trip to Africa, where he met the founders of WBR, FK Day and Leah Missbach Day. Their commitment to improving lives through bicycles greatly impacted him.
Transition from Banking to Humanitarian Work
In 2007, just before the financial crisis, Neiswander decided to take a sabbatical from FBR and Co., where he worked in financial services. He fully embraced a new mission: helping communities in Zambia. When Day invited him to Zambia, he recognized the urgent need for reliable transportation for healthcare workers aiding those affected by AIDS-related diseases.
Bicycles as a Solution
WBR pledged to deliver 23,000 bicycles to assist community health workers who were traveling up to 15 kilometers daily on foot. Neiswander realized that local, low-quality bicycles failed to meet their needs, prompting him to consider how to distribute durable bicycles across Zambia, a country larger than France.
A significant achievement during the early days was the design of the Buffalo Bicycle. This innovative bike was engineered specifically for rough terrains and heavy loads. Today, WBR not only manufactures these bicycles but also maintains a network of over 100 Buffalo Bicycle shops and trained mechanics in seven countries.
Impact on Education and Empowerment
Recognizing the barriers girls faced in accessing education, WBR partnered with Zambia’s Ministry of Education. The initiative prioritizes providing bicycles to female students, with 70% of education bikes being allocated to girls. Each recipient signs a contract ensuring the bike supports their education, fundamentally shifting dynamics within their households and enhancing their opportunities.
Measuring the Impact
WBR conducted a randomized control trial that revealed that women with bicycles could earn 50% more than those without. This statistic highlights the significant economic impact of bicycle distribution in empowering women and improving their quality of life.
Future Goals for World Bicycle Relief
As WBR approaches its 20th anniversary, the organization anticipates reaching a milestone: distributing its one-millionth bicycle by mid-2026. Neiswander reflects on his career shift, acknowledging the skepticism he faced initially. However, he emphasizes that his previous experience in banking equipped him with the skills to accomplish significant goals in humanitarian work.
- Year Established: 2005
- Number of Bikes Pledged: 23,000
- Bikes Distributed: Approaching 1,000,000 by 2026
- Percentage of Education Bikes for Girls: 70%
- Income Increase for Women with Bicycles: 50%
The power of bicycles to transform lives is profound, offering not only mobility but also opportunity and empowerment across communities in Zambia and beyond.
