COP30 Bike Ride Concludes in Brazil: Bikes for the Climate

The global cycling relay COP30 Bike Ride reached its end in Belem, Brazil, where this year the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) will be held. After covering over 30,000 kilometers across four continents, cycling enthusiasts conveyed a message about the need for decisive action to limit climate change. They emphasized the role of the bicycle as an effective means of sustainable transport, a symbol of environmental awareness and the fight against global warming.

The journey began in May in Baku, where COP29 was held, and concluded after combining long cycling stages and sailing across the Atlantic Ocean. The initiative, which passed through many countries, turned into a true celebration of international cooperation and a common cause.

Bulgaria also had its key role in this impressive route. Between June 27 and July 4, Bulgarian cyclists showed their determination by covering over 480 kilometers along the picturesque tourist route "Black Sea Road". The path passed through key cities like Malko Tarnovo, Burgas, Emona, Varna, Dobrich, and Silistra, before the relay was handed over to the participants from Romania.

Over 20 cyclists took part in the Bulgarian stage, including the youngest participants, who were only 7 years old. This demonstrates the commitment of different generations to environmental protection. A total of over 1000 participants from more than 20 countries took part in the COP30 Bike Ride initiative. It combined cycling and sailing, thus highlighting the possibilities of low-carbon mobility.

In honor of the COP30 finale, the Bulgarian "Biodiversity" Foundation, in partnership with COP Bike Ride and the Burgas Cycling Community, organized a special event. On November 20 (Thursday) at 6:30 p.m. in the "Georgi Baev" hall of the "Morsko Casino" Cultural Center, a discussion will be held, with free admission. International expert Bozhil Kondev will present the main highlights from the climate conference in Belem, and Svetoslav Mitev from the Burgas Cycling Community will talk about the COP30 Bike Ride initiative, its 10 proposals, and Bulgarian participation. During the event, the documentary film "The COP29 Bike Ride" / "The Cycling Tour to COP29" will be screened. The film follows the international cycling journey from Paris to Baku, which also passed through Bulgaria, and focuses on promoting sustainable transport.

COP30 Bike Ride is a completely voluntary initiative whose main goal is the promotion of clean transport and sustainable solutions in urban mobility. During their journey, the participants organized meetings with local administrations and organizations focused on the development of cycling infrastructure. At the conference itself in Belem, 10 concrete proposals for cycling policies and over 60 letters of commitment, signed by local authorities, including the Municipality of Burgas, will be presented.