Over 850 cyclists took to the streets of Damascus on Friday, August 22 in a citywide convoy promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices, marking the largest cycling event yet in the Syrian capital.
The “Damascus Bicycle March,” held under the patronage of Minister of Youth and Sports Muhammad al-Hamed, began at Al-Jalaa Sports City. Participants pedaled along major thoroughfares including Mezzeh Highway, Umayyad Square and the Governorate Square, creating a visible show of support for climate-conscious lifestyles.
The event was organized by the Syrian Cycling Federation and the Road Ride team in cooperation with Bee Order. Under the slogan “Leading for a Green Tomorrow,” the ride emphasized two key goals: encouraging cycling as a clean mode of transport and raising awareness about conserving water and protecting green spaces in the face of climate change.
Cycling as Sport and Solution
Khaled Kawkash, president of the Syrian Cycling Federation, described the event as an important milestone for the sport and for environmental advocacy.
“This march, the largest of its kind in Damascus, is not only about cycling as an Olympic sport, but also about presenting the bicycle as a daily solution to environmental challenges,” Kawkash said, according to a statement from the Ministry of Youth and Sports. He added that the initiative highlighted the urgency of rationalizing water consumption and protecting vegetation as the region experiences rising temperatures.
Community Participation and Positive Energy
The ride drew cyclists of all ages and backgrounds, including professionals and members of the Syrian national team. Riders carried banners with environmental messages and interacted with spectators along the route.
Participants described the event as both festive and meaningful. Many stressed that bicycles symbolize more than a recreational tool. “The bicycle represents a culture and a message of positive values,” said one participant, according to the ministry. “It connects health, sports and community with responsibility toward the environment.”
Organizers noted the enthusiastic atmosphere as cyclists wound through Damascus streets. Music and cheers accompanied the ride, turning the event into a celebration of collective action toward greener practices.
Beyond the March
Officials expressed hope that the momentum from the event will inspire further sports and community initiatives. By merging physical activity with climate advocacy, the organizers said, the Damascus Bicycle March aims to demonstrate how individual choices—such as riding a bike instead of driving—can support broader environmental goals.
“The strength of this initiative lies in how it blends awareness with participation,” Kawkash said. “It encourages people to see that every small action, from cycling to saving water, contributes to building a sustainable tomorrow.” As climate concerns intensify across the region, Friday’s cycling event showcased how grassroots participation and government-backed initiatives can intersect to promote both health and sustainability.
