July 16, 2024
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Lachlan Morton's Alt Tour
EF Pro Cyclist Lachlan Morton rode the Tour de France route solo to raise funds for World Bicycle Relief, clocking in:
220 hours of riding
5,510 kilometers distance
65,500 meters of elevation gain
For many, owning a bicycle is about having fun, getting exercise, or simply and alternative mode of transportation. But in rural parts of the world having access to a bike can literally mean the difference between whether a child grows up educated or not.
In many rural communities, young children trek for over an hour each way just to attend school. To shorten their journey and secure their path to education, EF Pro Cycling stepped in – or rather, rode in – to help, working in close partnership with World Bicycle Relief, an organization that builds and distributes bicycles to people who need them.
At the forefront of the partnership is EF Pro Cycling Team athlete Lachlan Morton, who raised more than 760,000 USD for the organization during an epic fundraising ride across France, racing against the Tour de France peloton on the same route.
For 18 days Lachlan pounded out 5,510 kilometers over 65,500 meters of elevation, raising funds as well as awareness of the critical role bicycles can play in mobilizing rural communities and improving access to education.
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To see the results of his efforts in action, Lachlan, together with World Bicycle Relief, traveled to Monteria, Colombia to distribute 205 Buffalo Bicycles. Working closely with the Ministry of Education there, they ensured the bikes were given to those who needed them most – children who walk more than three kilometers to get to school.
Lachlan said of the initiative, “It’s more than just someone getting a bike. It’s about a whole community that can be empowered through the process of giving bikes.”
Bicycles have long held a broader meaning in many rural communities, making education more accessible and safer for children. This is especially true for girls. Putting bikes in the hands of girls can have an enormous impact on their education, which in turn, can change the course of their lives.
Cut their commute times by 33%, saving more than one hour a day
Reduced their absenteeism by 28%
Experienced 22% less sexual harassment or teasing on their way to school
Were 19% less likely to drop out
Ranked themselves higher academically and had a greater belief in their potential to succeed in life
Reported feeling more in control of the decisions affecting their lives
Source: World Bicycle Relief
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The humble bicycle can do even more for these communities. Beyond enabling school journeys, bicycles have a huge impact on everyday life, making daily tasks like going to shops or the doctor’s office quicker, easier, and safer.
Thanks to the support of partners like EF and donors around the world, World Bicycle Relief has distributed over 660,000 bicycles in 21 countries around the globe so far, helping students, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, and farmers with their daily lives in a tangible, impactful way.
760k
raised during Lachlan's Alt Tour
205
bicycles distributed to a rural community in Colombia
33%
cut in commute times to school for girls in this rural community
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