The COP31 Bike Ride, a global cycling march for the climate, arrived today in Vitoria-Gasteiz and Álava. Participants were received by the mayor of the Alava capital, Maider Etxebarria, and the Provincial Deputy for Sustainable Mobility and Infrastructure, Jon Nogales, who expressed their support for the initiative. The ride departed from Belém (Brazil), host of COP30, and will reach Natalia (Turkey), host of the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31).
“We adhere to the COP31 Bike Ride because we share its objective: to advance towards healthier, more sustainable cities committed to the fight against climate change,” stated Mayor Maider Etxebarria. Vitoria-Gasteiz prioritizes cycling mobility, boasting a network of nearly 200 kilometers of bike lanes, crucial for reducing transport emissions.
Provincial Deputy Jon Nogales announced the adhesion of the Provincial Council of Álava to the COP31 Bike Ride, pledging to continue promoting policies that encourage bicycle use for short-distance interurban commutes to work and study. The expansion of the Cycling Route Network will include the start of works on the Elciego-Laguardia route in 2027, alongside reinforced awareness programs for schoolchildren in the territory.
Pedro Vallejo, a participant in the ride, thanked attendees for their collaboration and will be responsible for handing over the baton in France. In Vitoria-Gasteiz, 75% of residents own a bicycle, and the city offers a public electric bike-sharing system, along with over 1,400 parking spaces and 22 secure points.
Vitoria-Gasteiz, designated European Green Capital in 2012 and a participant in the European Mission of Smart and Climate-Neutral Cities, reinforces its environmental commitment. The socialist mayor advocates for a just energy transition that improves health, well-being, air quality, and creates employment.
The Provincial Council of Álava actively works on mobility and climate action policies through instruments like the Álava Bicycle Strategy, the Territorial Sectorial Plan for Cycle Routes and Green Itineraries, the KLIMA ARABA 2050 Strategy, and the II Sustainable Mobility Plan of Álava. Specific actions include the new cycle route between Vitoria and the Álava Technology Park (a 2.1 million euro investment), educational programs for schoolchildren, and the 'Álava en bici' tourism project, which received the RedBici 2025 Award. Jon Nogales reaffirmed this commitment through a Letter of Adhesion.
