Climate Classic 2023
Time is our only challenge
On Monday, June 19, 2023, more than 1,000 sustainable cyclists will cycle nearly 400 kilometers*. A trip along the coastline that is created in the Netherlands when the sea level rises too far. A coastline that as far as Cycling 4 Climate is concerned should never become reality.
We can no longer wait to call attention to the rise in sea level and its consequences for the entire Randstad area and some 9 million Dutch people, among others. Last century the sea level already rose by 20 centimeters. This century there is a threat of another 80 centimeters. We must prevent this at all costs.
* 125 and 250 km routes also possible.
Impression edition 2022
Why do we cycle along this coastline?
We follow the coastline that lies at Normal Amsterdam Level. This coastline runs roughly from Groningen to Goes. Without human measures such as dike construction and pumping, this would be the coastline in the Netherlands.Â
We use the coastline as a metaphor because it makes it clear that climate change can have a real impact and that it could affect everyone in the Netherlands. As a country a quarter of whose surface is below sea level (NAP), we are prone to flooding.Â
At the same time, our bike ride shows that with cooperation, speed and perseverance we can achieve a great deal. These same aspects play a role in tackling climate change. Only together can we prevent the NAP coastline from becoming a reality.
The route is not signposted. We trust that all participants can get by with a garmin or gpx reader. Final routes will be announced a week before the ride.
There will be simple technical support at the break locations: So make sure your bike, and yourself, are in top condition!
* information on sea level rise from KNMI can be found here.
The routes
The routes will be final a week before the tour and will be made available to participants as GPX or TCX files. A first impression of the routes can be found below. The routes differ from the 2022 routes.
The Climate Classic is made possible by
"TOGETHER WE
CAN MEET THIS CHALLENGE,
TIME IS OUR BIGGEST
OPPONENT"
temperature change since 1850. Click here for more info.
Our call to the Netherlands
"With our bike ride of 400 kilometers in one day, we show that you can get far together. We call on all Dutch people in general and the 1 million cyclists in our country in particular to take the bike as often as possible. Pedal to work more often or rent a public transport bike after a train trip. Even if the distance is a bit longer, biking will do just fine. You're out in the open air and can enjoy the city or nature. It reduces CO2 emissions, it's healthy, and together we ensure that our children and grandchildren will have dry feet in the future too."
When will the water come?
Below is more information about sea level rise and its impact on our country.
"In recent years, sea levels have been rising twice as fast as in the twentieth century - currently at between 4 and 5 millimeters per year - and this rate continues to increase."
"The low-lying country has centuries of experience managing water. Now climate change is threatening to flood it completely."
"Once the water reaches our lips, it is (much) too late to do anything about it."
