We are cycling across continents, crossing borders, and connecting communities – the COP29 Bike Ride is more than just a journey; it’s a movement. Our goal is to promote cycling as a key solution to reducing carbon emissions, uniting cyclists from all over the world on our way to Baku, Azerbaijan, for the 2024 UN Climate Conference (COP29)
From Europe to Turkey: The Journey So Far
By mid-September, we had reached Ankara, and by September 29th, we were exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Cappadocia. The journey continued as we rode for a more sustainable future.
Enjoying the magic of Cappadocia with its famous hot air balloons.
On 4th october, we had already covered thousands of kilometers by bike, there were still 2000 km left before arriving in Baku.
Our team cycled in the east of Turkey, with its arid landscapes !
We had a meeting with with Mehmet Lüzumlar in Kayseri (Meeting with Bisikletliler Derneği Cyclists Association - local voice of Bicycle NGO www.bisikletliler.org
As well as the city representatives of green mobility in Kayseri (discussing how our ten proposals could be improved to include bike sharing as well)
On October 10, we arrived in Erzurum, eastern Anatolia, while some riders made a memorable stop at Lake Van.
In Erzurum, a meeting with the Cyclists Association of Turkey, Bisikletliler Derneği, and city representative allowed us to present our ten proposals and emphasize the potential of cycling as a transformative force in sustainable urban mobility.
Meeting in Erzurum with the city representatives and Bisiklet Liler Derenegi local relay
A warm Welcome in Georgia
We cycled still for a while in the Eastern part of Turkey,...🚴♂️ and finally on 19 October we arrived in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia!
Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia - Warm welcome by local cycling NGO's
Tbilisi caucasus cycling network/bike mayor Mar Mikhelidze had prepared a fantastic rally and told us shortly after on the local challenges for biking development in Tbilisi :
See the interview with tbilicaucasus_cycling_network with Mar Mikhelidze
follow @caucasus_cycling_network and @marmikhelidze
Joining the local cycling NGOs in a pro-democracy march
We also met the Tbilisi transport and urban mobility agency who explained to us their accomplishments and the next challenges to improve the use of bicycle in this city. They highlighted both the importance of accurate data to take the right decisions and the connection with other cities to set up the best practices. .
Davit Jaiani in charge of sustainable transport in Tbilissi
Cooking Khinkalis : after two months in Turkey we are welcomed in Georgia by hearts equally full of kindness !
Georgia offered a stunning change of scenery, with snowy mountain peaks replacing Turkey’s warm plains. The group explored western Georgia, even squeezing in a bit of wine tasting before preparing to cross into Azerbaijan.
 |  |
Caucasus Mountains with the remnants of snow, the picturesque mountain landscape of Georgia
Raising Awareness Through Podcasts
We also highlights key discussions that took place during that time through featured podcasts:
- Herkes İçin Bisiklet Podcast: Bicycle For All Podcast
- Episode 138 - COP29BikeRide: Guillaume and Antoine share their experience with a Turkish voiceover.
Listen here: Herkes İçin Bisiklet Podcast or on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Spotify.
- Episode 140 - COP29 Climate Summit and Our Duties
- Climate activist Önder Algedik and bicycle advocate Lindanihan Lafcı discuss the summit's importance and the role of bicycles in sustainable cities.
Listen here: Herkes İçin Bisiklet Podcast or on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Spotify.
Finally, we cycled with the non-profit organization @trees_on_the_way that cycles 🚲 around the world 🌍 to meet entrepreneurs with a positive impact!🌲
https://www.treesontheway.org/fr/
Cyclists near and far had continued to join the effort, underscoring a universal truth: cycling connects us – to one another, to our environment, and to a shared vision for a sustainable future.
Next: Azerbaijan and the cop29 !