My participation to the COP31 Bike Ride - a collective climate-friendly adventure

Last week, I participated to the COP Bike Ride, which aims to show the importance of cycling to meet national commitments regarding the reduction of carbon emissions. Launched in 2024, the first COP Bike Ride connected Paris—a highly symbolic location for climate conferences—to Baku, the host city of COP29 - the annual official climate conference. This is a relay - meaning each participant can freely ride the amount of days s/he wants and can. A banner is passed from hand to hand, and finally given, with the commitments of local authorities, such as mayors, to the president of the conference.

In 2025 an even more ambitious relay was organized for COP30 from Azerbaijan to Brazil by bicycle and sailboat, involving over 1,000 cyclists across twenty countries. I modestly participated that year from Paris to Tours (France). This year, one of the converging routes (OTR5) follows the Seine and then Burgundy and the Rhone to Dijon, Lyon, across the Alps, Aiming at Rumania and then Turkey, down to Antalya, were COP31 is to be held early November.

I integrated route 5 from Melun to Dijon, which took 6 days. We met 3 enthusiasts mayors of small cities on the Seine, including charming Pont-sur-Seine, where a private visit of its exceptional church, all covered with painting from first class 17th century painter Philippe de Champaigne. At Châtillon-sur-Seine we were received, with Crémant, close to Champagne, and cold cuts. And the next night by the heirs of the nice Oigny Abbaye, after which we visited the spring of the Seine, before going down the hills of Burgandy and along the canal to Dijon.

The global atmosphere between participants is friendly, cosmopolitan, joyful. A Dutch participant is linking London to Bucarest with his drums in a cart, offering musicians to join him at stops. We usually pick-nick for lunch, and started organizing shared lunches or dinners. We stop at camping sites. Participation is free and autonomous. Every one travels with his and her own gear. We wait and take care for minor incidents on the roads. It is a great experience, and you are invited to join us on the road!

Visit more information on https://copbikeride.org/cop31 and learn how to join us further on the way. There still is plenty of time, depending were you are based.

Notes to moderators: this is not self promotion, as I am not among the organizers. I am just bringing a testimony, and incite others to join if they feel this is a useful adventure.