A limited edition (and aesthetically beautiful) cycling jersey is giving cycling teams, clubs, and companies who want to support real-world change the privilege of helping to suppress modern slavery. The jerseys were designed by B Corp creative company, BUCK, for ethical custom cycling brand and fellow B Corp, The Long Run Club (LRC), in partnership with Community Interest Company (CIC), Ride For Freedom.
Every jersey purchase will fund school workshops that teach children how to spot the signs of modern slavery and human trafficking, and acquire the confidence to take positive action to protect themselves and others. Every jersey sold provides education for twelve children, while the sale of just 50 jerseys is enough to fund an entire primary school programme, empowering more than 600 children to recognise and respond to exploitation.
The campaign has launched ahead of Anti-Slavery Day (October 18) and coincides with Ride For Freedom’s flagship Cycle Revolution Event Week, a global initiative that invites individuals, clubs, and businesses to take on cycling challenges wherever they are in the world. Under the theme, United In Purpose, teams ride together to raise awareness, show solidarity, and fundraise for RFF’s programmes.
Lily Rice, co-founder of The Long Run Club, stated, “Working with fellow B Corp BUCK and Ride For Freedom on this project has been incredible. BUCK has designed a jersey that’s bold,creative, and packed with meaning. Every detail is designed to spark conversation and remind people why we ride.
“Ride For Freedom’s mission is something we care about deeply at LRC. Our jerseys are made ethically and sustainably meaning we not only look at the fabrics used – which are made from post-consumer recycled plastic – but also how and where the kit is created. Our factories pay fairly and ensure workers rights, collaborating with RFF means we can create kit to be proud of. Ultimately sport is about resilience, community, and striving for better – and this collaboration turns those values into action.”
The BUCK team brought its experience with some of the world’s biggest brands such as JP Morgan, Samsung, Notion, and Airbnb, to the job of delivering a vibrant, “sticker patch-inspired” design that celebrates diversity, movement and taking action, aligning perfectly with Ride For Freedom’s mission to unite the cycling community against modern day slavery.
Ben Langsfeld, chief design officer of BUCK, commented, “We designed this jersey, inspired by sticker patches, to spark conversation and create maximum impact. We wanted those who wear the bold design to carry with them messages of action, courage, and a commitment to ending modern day slavery. Our team collaborated across multiple offices and design disciplines to create a motif for The Long Run Club that is sharp and eye-catching both visually and emotionally. This collaboration is a natural extension to our GOODS by BUCK program where we tap our talented designers and artists to create unique items for positive change.”
Modern slavery affects 50 million people worldwide, including 1 in 4 children. In the UK, 17,004 potential victims were referred to the National Referral Mechanism in 2023, with 14,500 children identified as at risk of child criminal exploitation. These numbers are thought to be underreported, meaning the issue is likely to run even more deeply.
Vicky Hvartchilkova, COO of Ride For Freedom, added, ““This jersey is more than a cycling kit, it’s a symbol of solidarity. The design demands attention and encourages people to talk about modern slavery. This exciting collaboration with two powerhouse B Corps, The Long Run Club and BUCK, allows us to turn creativity and purpose into meaningful change. With this limited-edition jersey, people can wear the impact – turning awareness into action and helping us protect the most vulnerable through education. Freedom looks good on everyone, and this collaboration is helping make it a reality.”
The jerseys are available to purchase here, with the initial release focused on corporate and team participation. For team enquiries, email hello@long-run-club.com.
A limited number of jerseys will follow later in the year for wider sale, creating a second wave of momentum and ensuring even more children can be reached through the funded workshops.
