How bicycles can change lives - BBC World Service

Overview

The report highlights how affordable bicycles are improving livelihoods in remote rural southern Zambia. Through a program that sells bikes to people on low incomes, villagers report a “huge impact,” including faster access to:

• Markets
• Schools
• Healthcare

Key Example: Anick Lubinda

A central example is dairy farmer Anick Lubinda. Previously, she walked about 7 kilometers to deliver milk, which took much longer and reduced her earnings. With a bicycle, she can complete the trip in about half the time, delivering fresher milk and earning more.

Her income increased from roughly 200–300 kwacha per month to 1,000 kwacha or more.

How the Payment Scheme Works

The scheme also includes:

• A mobile phone
• Use of mobile money to pay monthly installments

Payments are described as about ten dollars per month, spread across a year. This approach helps buyers manage the cost.

Founder and Motivation: Wyson Lungu

The project was developed by Wyson Lungu, a former telecoms executive. He became convinced of bicycle value after being stranded in a rural area when his car broke down and a cyclist came to help.

He argues that bicycles help narrow the gap between “have-nots” and the rest, especially in places where infrastructure is limited.

Why Bicycles Matter in Rural Zambia

The report notes that 83% of Zambia’s rural population lives more than 2 kilometers from a good road. With limited transport options, travel to essential services can be difficult.

Robust bicycles are presented as a practical solution that:

• Reduces journey times
• Makes critical services more reachable

Impact and Demand

So far, Wyson has sold over 600 bikes, but demand exceeds supply. Communities show strong excitement when deliveries arrive—singing and gathering around the vehicles.

Overall, the report portrays bicycles as a life-changing tool and a catalyst for unlocking economic and social potential in rural areas.

Presenters or contributors

• Anick Lubinda (dairy farmer)
• Wyson Lungu (former telecoms executive; founder of the bicycle scheme)