COP30 cyclists carry Leuven’s climate message to Brazil
The COP30 Bike Ride will pass through Leuven on Friday and Saturday. This international relay of cyclists set off on 14 May from Azerbaijan, the host of last year’s COP29 climate summit. Their final destination is COP30, taking place from 10 to 21 November 2025 in Belém, Brazil.
Rather than passing a baton, the cyclists are carrying letters from local governments outlining their cycling policies. Upon their arrival in Leuven, the city council presented its own letter, highlighting Leuven’s ambitions and achievements in cycling policy. This message will now travel with the group and, along with contributions from other cities, be delivered to delegates at the climate summit in Brazil.
Cycling for the climate
Cycling is seen as a powerful weapon in the fight against climate change, helping to reduce CO₂ emissions from transport and supporting the transition to climate neutrality. “In many places around the world, we see that the shift towards sustainable mobility is being driven more forcefully by local and regional authorities than by national governments,” says Guillaume Otrage, a participant in the COP30 Bike Ride. “Paris is a good example. While the national cycling plan stalled due to a lack of funding, the region made significant strides in promoting cycling. For summit participants, Leuven can also serve as a strong example that cycling matters. With this letter and others, we hope to encourage national and international support and funding — essential for developing a unified, nationwide cycling network.”
In recent years, Leuven has made significant progress towards climate neutrality, investing in cycling infrastructure, shared mobility and renewable energy. Seventy-five per cent of the city centre is now a designated cycling zone, and the wider cycling network is expanding rapidly. Special attention is also being paid to safe routes for schoolchildren and smooth cycling connections across the metropolitan area.
A climate-neutral Leuven
“But there’s still work to be done,” says alderman for climate and sustainability Thomas Van Oppens. “We’re committed to accelerating our efforts towards a climate-neutral Leuven where quality of life is high for everyone. Making cycling even more attractive is central to this. Support from higher authorities is crucial, which is why we’re so pleased with an initiative like the COP30 Bike Ride.”
The city’s letter to the cyclists also highlights the importance of collaboration with regional and international partners. “We are already working together through several projects that structurally improve cycling safety and accessibility in Leuven,” says alderman for mobility Dirk Vansina. “A prime example is the Kessel-Lo junction, where — with support from the Flemish government and the EU — we’re investing in new cycling infrastructure, including a bridge and better connections between the station, Kessel-Lo and the future Leuven Noord science park. Thanks to European funding, we can develop and implement these plans much more quickly.”
On Saturday, the COP30 Bike Ride continues to Brussels. Everyone is welcome to join the ride and show their support. Meeting point: Martelarenplein at 12:00 noon; departure at 1:00 PM.
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