Dear Pedal People,

I am very happy to announce that your support has allowed us to open a new program in Sierra Leone with the Kola Nut Producers Association in conjunction with Slow Food Sierra Leone. This fall they successfully unloaded our first shipment of bicycles and sewing machines after months at sea.

I’m excited to share this new program that has seem to have struck a chord with our donors and sponsors I have had the pleasure to connect with at our collection events and speaking engagements I’ve attended this summer and fall. How these bikes will be helping the community of Kenema, Sierra Leone is quite staggering taking into the context that many of these bikes will be going directly to rural farmers.

Farms are the reason we have modern civilization. World history has existed largely round the most fertile places in the world for a reason. Where there is food there are people. Where there are people there are communities. By aiding farmers, we are targeting the bedrock of the community to harvest more progress with our bicycles. This initiative will be empowering farmers to improve their lives and contribute to the well-being of their communities and the planet.

Alieu Sesay is one of the first farmers of our new program that has received an adult sized tricycle that will greatly improve his productivity and health. Before this Alieu had to carry 60kg (132lbs) of Kola Nuts on his head from his farm in Dalu Village to the Market in Kenema, a grueling 12-mile journey that has caused significant strain on his neck and back. Thanks to his new tricycle to help transport his crop, he will live a less strenuous, more prosperous life.

A community with productive farmers means a full and thriving population of people ready to seize the day on their own bicycles. With more energized people paired with a means to get where they need to be, we are building thriving communities for years to come. Your support helps us continue to provide transportation that is putting food on the plates of people in Sierra Leone and everywhere we send out bicycles. Please consider making a donation today to help us put used bikes and sewing machines to good use.