The Power of Bicycles | F.K. Day | TEDxMidAtlantic

Frederick (F.K.) Day is a long time Chicago businessman, entrepreneur and humanitarian. In 1987, Day, his brother Stan and some friends founded leading bicycle component supplier, SRAM Corporation. In 2005, immediately following the Indian Ocean Tsunami, Day and his wife Leah, with support from SRAM Corp and the bicycle industry, founded international non-profit World Bicycle Relief. Their first program delivered over 24,000 new bicycles to men, women and children in Tsunami impacted Sri Lanka.

In his TEDx talk, Day illustrates the profound transformation that takes place when a person whose primary mode of transportation is walking, is provided a bicycle.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, roughly 600 million people live in rural communities where walking is the only option for many. Every day is about racing the sun, from sunup to sundown, trying to complete the day’s work before the darkness of night. Each step is a race to overcome the barrier of distance.

Through his firsthand experience in the field with World Bicycle Relief, Day describes the quantum leap in productivity that occurs when students, healthcare workers and entrepreneurs are mobilized through the power of bicycles. He illuminates why bicycles are an overlooked development solution and why there can be a world where distance is no longer a barrier to education, healthcare and economic empowerment.

World Bicycle Relief employs over 100+ people in the US, Asia and Africa, and operates 5 bicycle assembly facilities in Kenya, Malawi, Angola Zambia and Zimbabwe. To date, over 350,000 specially designed, locally assembled bicycles have been distributed and over 1,700 field mechanics have been trained. In 2010, Day and World Bicycle Relief were named #12 on Barron’s list of the World‘s Top 25 Most Effective Givers. In 2015, Fast Company named World Bicycle Relief among its’ Most Innovative Companies for organizations working on the continent of Africa. Frederick (F.K.) Day is a long- time Chicago businessman, entrepreneur and humanitarian. In 1987, Day, his brother Stan and some friends founded leading bicycle component supplier, SRAM Corporation.

[Alien_nation]

Biking helped me get through the most difficult time in my life. Now it has become a way of life. It is how I fight depression and sickness.

[AFerreiraV]

“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments. Here was a machine of precision and balance for the convenience of man. And (unlike subsequent inventions for man's convenience) the more he used it, the fitter his body became. Here, for once, was a product of man's brain that was entirely beneficial to those who used it, and of no harm or irritation to others. Progress should have stopped when man invented the bicycle. ”

― Elizabeth West

Bicycles can deliver more than you think. It supports many people to reach their dreams, go back to school, and support their family. We should be grateful and cherish the bicycles we have for transportations. Bicycles will break the barriers of transportation for success.

[Steve-nqjc]

I'm an owner of Sram products and after this I will be supporting them even more. What a powerful presentation, it honestly made me tear up a little.

[ericalahverdian]

Bicycles are a very important invention, they provide transportation for almost everyone in the world. They also help reduce pollution and keep riders in good health. 🚲🌎

[MrAlucard]

My 2023 Emonda SL6 e Tap saved my life. Gave me a reason to be out in public and interact with people and fellow bike riders. After medically retiring from US Army.

[dibaroozbeh]

This presentation has a very strong message. After hearing this story, we can know for sure that bicycles are saving lives and making life easier for people who do not have access to any kind of transportation. Bicycles have the power to make this world a better place 🚴🏼❤️

[abelmkulamac.m]

I am Zambian and I can't agree more with what he presented. Great message.

[mydogneo]

Been riding for 12 years now and each ride is brand new!!

[strawberi]

Bicycles are very great and were a big help. It helped with transportation and speeding up what was slowed down. It's kind how people can help out others when they are in need.

[niominiomi]

FROM AFRICA
❤🙏🙏🙏 Thank you for your dedication and service .

[angellaordonez]

Never looking at bicycles the same again. Keep doing what you do! It’s truly inspiring. 🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♀️🌏

[annabelleleigh]

I never thought of bicycles like this until this video. Truly grateful for bicycles and the wave of aid they grant people. So inspiring 🚲❤️🌞

[juanpedroperaltacota]

I ride my bicycle here in México all the time, i carry wood, gas, water an recycle parts to sell, its a real attainment for mankind!!!!

[rosedandaro]

Proud to be part of SRAM and that the company has this amazing program that positively impact peoples lifes.

[zainabideen]

Bikes are much more than we actually think they are. They can impact the world in a positive way and help people out who dont have transportation get to placer faster than walking.

[yaritzapadilla]

It was extremely touching watching this Ted talk. To know someone can simply bring bicycles to a countries that is in need is extremely honorable. There are young girls just like me that can not go to school because for them there is a distance of miles and miles away from their home. With the help of a bicycle they can get the education they deserve.

[trangvo]

In countries where many people couldn’t afford better transportation, the only choice is walking. Bicycle connect people, get to their destination much faster than hours of walking. We couldn’t even imagine how much bicycles brighten up people’s lives in those poor countries. Thank you, Mr. F.K. Day, for your contribution to the bicycle industry and our planet.

[vlfit]

I am moved, touched and inspired by the vast positive impact of bicycle in third world countries. It promotes a healthy lifestyle and allow people to go out and explore their surroundings area

[taylorwllm]

This presentation not only shows us how poverty affects every part of daily life in rural countries but shows us how the solution to this problem in these countries are bicycles! Transportation is so important && bicycles are the best form of transportation.