Bicycles

At this Fair Trade Certified factory in Uttar Pradesh, India, workers identified their difficult commutes as a major barrier to well-being. The cost, time, and stress of commuting stress a worker's income and time. Public transportation in this area can be very unreliable, and private vehicles are financially out of reach.

To address this reality, workers voted to invest Community Development Funds to distribute over 300 bicycles to the workforce. The impact has been practical and immediate: reduced commuting costs, more time for relaxation and family, greater independence and mobility, and of course, the health benefits of increased physical activity. Beyond the immediate impact on the workforce, of course, bicycles reduce vehicle miles traveled and fossil fuels burned. And by making daily life easier, the project may improve worker morale and boost retention - a win for all involved.