Thousands joined family-themed biking events in several Asian countries on the weekend of May 18 and 19 as part of an Asia-wide series of “Pedal For People and Planet” that started in 2021 . Participants included students, parents, and children who signified their support for building renewable energy systems to replace fossil fuel energy to “protect and promote the health and wellbeing of families, communities, and the planet.”
Climate activist Lidy Nacpil, coordinator of the Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development, said: “We in APMDD organized the events as a fun and meaningful way for families to participate in promoting the transition to 100% renewable energy, a vital part of the solution to the climate crisis and the harmful pollution from fossil fuels.”
APMDD, a regional alliance of civil society groups, held the family bike action in their member-countries which included the Philippines, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, and Pakistan.
Nacpil noted that “Production and consumption of dirty fossil fuels – coal, gas, and oil – is one of the leading causes of climate change. The world needs a rapid, equitable, and just transition to 100% renewable energy if we are to stop global warming and prevent catastrophic climate change. Climate change impacts are already devastating and quickly intensifying. Our children are facing a very bleak future and we need to work together to build a better world.”
“Solar and wind sources of renewable energy are abundant and affordable. Science and technology have already advanced to ensure that renewable energy can be stable, reliable and adequate to ensure the basic needs of all people and communities the requirements of economic development and prosperity. Governments must muster the political will and take bold action to ensure the necessary scale and speed of transitioning to renewables,” Nacpil added.
In the Philippines, close to 2,000 people joined the Family Bike Action Day in Quezon City on Sunday, May 19. Participants included students, parents, and children who cycled around the Academic Oval of the state-owned University of the Philippines.
Organizations which partnered with APMDD’s Philippine leg of ‘Pedal for People and Planet” were: Philippine Movement for Climate Justice, Sanlakas, 350.org, Oxfam Philippines, Mobility Awards, Women For Safe Spaces PH, K4K, Oriang, UP Diliman, Barangay UP Diliman, Rotary Club of Midtown Diliman, Marilag Bikers, Tiklop Society Philippines, Paralegal Volunteers Organizations,National Ecology Advocacy of Caritas, Weapon Bikes, and Quezon City government.
In Bangladesh, cyclists pedaled their way through five strategic areas – in Dhaka, Mongla in Bagerhat, Pathorghata in Barguna, Kalapara in Patuakhali, and Pekua in Cox’s Bazar district.
Sharif Jamil, a leader of Waterkeepers Bangladesh, noted that “renewable energy must be adopted on a broad scale in Asia in view of the climate emergency in the region, which is also reflective of what’s happening all over the world.”
In Karachi, the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum launched a 12-kilometer bike ride from Korangi, Sea View to Hawksbay. Meanwhile, Pakistan Kissan Rabita Committee partnered with Critical Mass Lahore, an independent biking club in the city, to organize a 10-km bike ride involving many women, youth,and family members.
In Indonesia, Greenpeace, Trend Asia, Solidaritas Perempuan, WALHI, and Aks! for Ecological Justice organized their own cycling action in a location with a car free-day policy.
Armayanti Sanusi of Solidaritas Parempuan said: “The shift to 100% renewable energy must be implemented now. If we continue to rely on dirty fossil fuels, the world will exceed the limits of global warming and the outcome will be devastating for people and the planet.”
The bike action in Nepal was held in Biratnagar last May 18th, covering a total distance of 5.4 kilometers with mostly youth and children as participants. The event brought together families and individuals of all ages to support and raise awareness for renewable energy solutions, The ride highlighted the community’s commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness.
“The harsh effects of climate change being felt by countries in the Global South are getting worse every year. Uncontrollable floods, lingering drought, deadly monsoons. Households also have to deal with high electricity costs. Only the adoption of renewable energy can save us from this living hell caused by fossil fuels,” said Abhishek Shrestha of Digo Bikas Institute in Nepal.