The Peace Cycle
The Peace Cycle began in 2004, founded by PCF’s Laura Abraham. It exposes people to Palestine and advocates for justice through cycling.
On its initial event, twenty-five cyclists from ten countries rode together from the UK to Palestine. As they travelled, they were joined by many more, some just for the day, some joining for the whole remainder of the journey.
The youngest rider was 12, the oldest 60, and the group consisted of men and women from many different cultures and faiths, including Muslims, Christians and Jews.
After carrying their message across Europe, the group received an astounding welcome in the West Bank, including an official meeting with then President Yasser Arafat.
A full length feature film was made of the ride, narrated by the actress Julie Christie.
Over the years the Peace Cycle received backing from some high profile supporters including Mark Steel, Alexei Sayle, Jeremy Hardy, Tony Benn and Jeremy Corbyn.
The Peace Cycle continued running rides which promoted the Palestinian cause.
A second group rode from London to Jerusalem in 2006.
Then, in 2009, cyclists rode from the UK to the International Courts of Justice in the Hague and the European Parliament in Brussels. The group hand delivered a petition signed by almost 20,000 calling on the EU to suspend its Association Agreement with Israel until it respected human rights and international law.
In 2008, 2009 and 2013, three groups rode from Amman to Jerusalem, in the process raising £10,000 for Medical Aid for Palestinians and £5,000 for the Oyooni Mobile Eye Clinic.
“Cycling into those towns and villages and seeing all those people coming out to greet us was exhilarating, but hearing their real stories, the way their lives are affected in ordinary and extraordinary ways, that was the most unforgettable thing of all,” said past riders Patty and Bernhard from the USA.