Belles inspired by UK activist to ride for climate change

A GROUP of Bellarine-based cyclists have helped spread the word of climate change in their own way, inspired by a16-year-old climate activist on the other side of the world.

Climate activist Jessie Stevens rode 917 kilometres from Devon, England to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland as part of her #ride2COP26 initiative to highlight the need for more drastic changes in the face of climate change.

From this, local cycling group The Bellarine Belles, rode almost 3,000 kilometres over the span of 11 days “alongside” Ms Stevens between October 20 to October 31.

“Because we are out almost every day cycling, over the last three years we have been observing the effects of climate change here in the region with all the bushfires, the droughts and the sudden storms,” Bellarine Belles member and Indented Head resident Annie Proctor said.

“We are also well aware of the effects of climate change here in Australia and were inspired by young Jessie’s effort and commitment.

“So, we decided to contact Ms Stevens about her ride, and she was really grateful for the support from the other side of the world and we decided to do our own ride and try to spread the global message of climate change.”

Ms Proctor admitted that the group got “a little bit carried away” and rode more than triple the distance that they originally intended for a total distance 2799 kilometres. A massive achievement, nevertheless.

The Bellarine Belles cycling group has been running for six years according to Ms Proctor, describing it as an informal support group encouraging more women to get into cycling and meet other people on the Bellarine.

Participation numbers on a single ride can range from 12 to 20 women in the group, but more than 200 individuals are signed up to the Bellarine Belles’ Facebook page where the group coordinates their rides.

Ms Proctor said 21 women in the group signed up to the do the challenge “alongside” Ms Stephens in the UK.

To learn more about Jessie’s mission, visit peoplepeddlepower.wordpress.com or head to the Bellarine Belles’ public Facebook page to get involved with the group.