Annual Climate Bike Ride Underway From Brazil Via Europe To Asia Minor

A group of cyclists is pedaling across three continents to demand climate action, and they just rolled into Berlin. The annual climate bike ride, which began in Brazil and will end in Turkey, arrived in the German capital this week, marking a key stop on a journey that spans thousands of miles. This year's edition aims to amplify calls for stronger commitments ahead of the next UN climate conference, using the power of slow travel to highlight the urgency of the climate crisis.

The annual UN climate conference cycle ride, known simply as the Climate Bike Ride, is a grassroots initiative that combines endurance cycling with environmental advocacy. Participants set off from São Paulo, Brazil, weeks ago, cycling north through South America, crossing the Atlantic by ferry, and then continuing through Europe. Berlin is a major waypoint before the final leg toward Istanbul, Turkey—historically referred to as Asia Minor. The ride is timed to build momentum toward the annual COP climate summits, with organizers hoping to draw media attention and public engagement along the route.

The ride began in 2018 as a small group of activists and has since grown into an annual event that attracts cyclists from around the world. This year, riders include climate scientists, students, and professionals who have taken time off to advocate for emissions reductions. The route deliberately passes through countries that are both major emitters and vulnerable to climate impacts. In Berlin, the group held a public rally and met with local environmental groups. They are scheduled to depart for Prague next, eventually crossing the Balkans before reaching Turkey in late August. The total distance is estimated at over 12,000 kilometers.

According to organizers, the ride is entirely self-funded and carbon-neutral, with participants offsetting emissions from flights to the start point and relying on support vehicles powered by renewable energy. The effort underscores a growing trend of “low-carbon activism” that walks—or pedals—the talk on climate. Experts note that symbolic actions like this can shift public discourse, even if their direct policy impact is hard to measure. “It’s about visibility and showing that individuals are willing to go the extra mile—literally—for the planet,” said one climate communication researcher. The ride also highlights the disparity in climate vulnerability: Brazil, home to the Amazon rainforest, and Turkey, which faces water scarcity and heatwaves, both experience severe climate risks.

Looking ahead, the riders face the challenge of crossing the Balkan mountains and the heat of the Turkish summer. If successful, the ride will conclude in Istanbul with a ceremony outside the historic Hagia Sophia. Organizers hope to present a petition to UN officials. The event could also spark similar rides in other regions. For now, Berlin’s cyclists are resting, repairing bikes, and preparing for the next leg—a vivid reminder that climate action doesn’t always require a conference room.