MIVA Bicycle Campaign

During a project trip in 1994, the idea of the "MIVA Bicycle Campaign" was born. Franz X. Kumpfmüller, MIVA's managing director at this time, realized what a great value a bicycle can bring. Since then, the action has been carried out every year in May.

In the first years in which the campaign was carried out, the proceeds went exclusively to catechists, the lay church workers of the South. Catechists support priests in the vast parishes of Africa and Latin America. Sometimes a parish is as large as an entire diocese in Austria. When priests are far away, catechists are close by: Neighborhood help, pastoral care from person to person, grassroots development. They keep parishes alive, organize services of the word and baptisms, assist the dying and teach religion. A MIVA bicycle is intended to make the long journeys of the catechists easier and to be a sign of recognition - because they pay for their service completely free of charge.

Two pedals that change the world. Over the years, the MIVA bicycle campaign has evolved. Today, for example, the proceeds also benefit schools. A MIVA bicycle shortens the often long and tedious walk for schoolchildren. As a result, they arrive at school less exhausted and their learning success is demonstrably improved. The safety factor also plays a role in these projects. In India, for example, the risk of sexual assault is reduced when the girls are on a bicycle and no longer have to cover the long distances on foot.

Another focus is on medical projects. In this area, too, a MIVA bicycle can make a big difference. It can be used as a bicycle ambulance with specially constructed couches, which are mounted on the bicycle as a kind of trailer, or to support medical personnel to reach the surrounding villages. In many ways, medical care reaches those who urgently need it.

The cost of a MIVA bicycle varies from country to country. On average, they amount to 100 Euros. A price that does not seem high in our latitudes, but if you consider the average income of a family in the countries of the South, it is an unaffordable sum for many. The purchase of the MIVA bicycles usually takes place locally in the countries of operation. Robust bicycles suitable for the sandy roads are available in the local towns. In this way, high transport costs can be saved and the climate is protected. Another not insignificant reason for buying locally, is the promotion of the local economy.