Bikes to Rwanda began with a conversation. While on a coffee buying trip, Duane Sorenson of Stumptown Coffee Roasters asked Rwandan coffee farmers what their communities needed. Their response was, bicycles.

In 2006, Bikes to Rwanda was officially formed. Their mission is to provide specially designed cargo bikes to farmers working on coffee cooperatives in Rwanda. These bikes help in the labour-intensive production of coffee. They also offer a sustainable means of transportation to farmers. The bikes are made available though micro loans. The loans are paid back over three year terms with scheduled monthly payments of coffee.

Along with bike distribution, Bikes to Rwanda facilitates repair shop construction and training. The repair shops are equipped with the spare parts required to maintain the cargo bikes. This helps to extend the lives of the bikes. The availability of support is ensured by providing training for mechanics and bike shop managers. These programs create the infrastructure that is essential for the continuation of the project.

To learn more or get involved you can visit the Bikes to Rwanda website: bikestorwanda.org