How to take part
 

We have had a fantastic response to the events taking place this year, and a large number of people have already expressed a keen interest in taking part. We may have to restrict numbers for logistical reasons, so we would advise you to register soon to avoid missing out on a place.

To register you will need to email cyclists@thepeacecycle.com with your details. We will then send you a full information pack by return email, which will include an Application Form and a Cyclist Declaration to be completed and returned to us.

Please note that the deadline for registration is 30th APRIL 2008.

Participants can register to take part in the Peace Cycle 2008 based on 3 options:

Option 1: The whole Peace Cycle 2008 – the ride from Amman to Jerusalem followed by the Peace Cycle campaign to Europe;

Option 2: The Peace Cycle ride from Amman to Jerusalem only;

Option 3: The Peace Cycle campaign to Europe only.

See below for further information on these options.

Option 1

The Peace Cycle from Amman to Jerusalem and the campaign to Europe

As well as giving valuable solidarity and support to the Palestinian people and all those working for justice, participants will experience a unique challenge by cycling in a diverse group through some of the most amazing places in the Middle East.

After a reception in Amman you will visit Palestinian refugees in Jordan before traveling by coach to the border with Israel. Once inside Israel you will visit some of the unrecognized Arab villages around Haifa and Nazareth, as well as hearing from groups working for human rights within the Israeli state.

From the Galilee, you will then cycle through the Occupied West Bank, staying with families and meeting groups working for justice and peace. You will experience the warm welcome of the Palestinian people and learn more about their food, music and culture as you travel by bike through villages and towns, hearing people’s stories and witnessing the reality and effects of the occupation on every day life.

You will cycle along the path of the Separation Barrier – in some places a fence topped by razor-wire, in other places a concrete wall 8 meters high - and you will see how the barrier is illegally annexing land, and stifling the lives of the indigenous people.

And finally, you will arrive in East Jerusalem and meet with groups to learn more about illegal house demolitions, and how the Israeli wall divides families and destroys communities.

You will then have 5 free days to reflect on your experiences, re-visit any places you wish, or just experience the beautiful and historical atmosphere, sights and sounds of the Old City.

You will then travel with the Peace Cycle group back to Amman, Jordan, and take a flight to Brussels. There we will join other cyclists from across Europe for pre-arranged media events and demonstrations.

On Sunday 7th September we will take part in public events in the centre of Brussels, together with other groups campaigning for peace.

On Monday 8th September we will prepare for a presentation at the European Parliament, and on Tuesday 9th September we will cycle to the Parliament building to hold an official meeting with MEPs and make our presentation to them.

Here you will have an opportunity to share your thoughts and experiences of Israel and Palestine, and we will aim to make the presentation as creative and impacting as possible.

Most urgently, we will demand that Europe takes action to force Israel to end their illegal occupation of Palestine and give peace a real chance in the Middle East.

This will mark the conclusion of the Peace Cycle 2008, and participants will return home by their own means.

The cost of taking part in the Peace Cycle Option 1 is £ 2000.00

 

This amount includes:

  • £200 deposit;
  • A full programme of events plus all food and accommodation at the Peace Cycle induction weekend in Leicester from 6th to 8th June;
  • Coach travel where necessary between Amman and Jerusalem (see itinerary);
  • All food and accommodation between Amman and Jerusalem, from Day 1 to Day 18 inclusive, (including accommodation on the night of 31st August - see itinerary);
  • All support vehicles as necessary and support staff including mechanical and medical assistance, from Day 1 to Day 18 inclusive, (see itinerary);
  • Fully trained guides travelling with the group for the same period as above;
  • Travel from Jerusalem to Amman for flight to Brussels on Saturday 6th September;
  • Flight from Amman to Brussels;
  • Four days and nights food and accommodation in Brussels; 
  • £800 charitable donation, administered through MAP, to directly help the Palestinian people by supporting humanitarian projects in Gaza and the West Bank.

 

Not Included:

·         Your travel to Amman for the start of the ride, and your travel home at the end of the event in Brussels;

·         Your food and accommodation during your free time from Monday 1st to Friday 5th September inclusive.

Option 2

The Peace Cycle ride from Amman to Jerusalem only

You will take part in the Peace Cycle ride from Amman to Jerusalem, as detailed in Option 1 above.

The final day of the ride will be Sunday 31st August when you will be able to take part in the reception at the YWCA and a tour of Jerusalem’s Old City before hearing a presentation by the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions.

The final night of this event will be spent in Jerusalem, and from Monday 1st September you will be free to continue your visit or return home as you wish.

 

If you would like advice about staying on in Palestine after this time, we would be happy to give you further information about places to stay or organisations that you could work with.

 

The cost of taking part in the Peace Cycle Option 2 is £ 1600.00

 

This amount includes:

  • £200 deposit;
  • A full programme of events plus all food and accommodation at the Peace Cycle induction weekend in Leicester from 6th to 8th June;
  • Coach travel where necessary between Amman and Jerusalem (see itinerary);
  • All food and accommodation between Amman and Jerusalem, from Day 1 to Day 18 inclusive, (including accommodation on the night of 31st August - see itinerary);
  • All support vehicles as necessary and support staff including mechanical and medical assistance, from Day 1 to Day 18 inclusive, (see itinerary);
  • Fully trained guides travelling with the group for the same period as above;
  • £800 charitable donation, administered through MAP, to directly help the Palestinian people by supporting humanitarian projects in Gaza and the West Bank.

 

Not included:

·         Your travel to Amman for the start of the ride, and your travel home at the end of the event in Jerusalem;

·         Any food and accommodation after breakfast on Monday 1st September.

 

 

 

Option 3

The Peace Cycle campaign to Europe only

 

This is an opportunity to take part in a unique and focused campaign to call on Europe to act against injustice in Palestine. For too long the European Parliament has remained silent about abuses of human rights happening in Israel and Palestine every day. The people of Europe have a duty to uphold the Geneva Convention on Human Rights, and to defend those who are not able to defend themselves.

In the face of the United States disregard for Israel’s defiance of International Law, Europe must now use its power to demand that law is respected, and bring about a peaceful and just end to this conflict.

 

As part of the Peace Cycle campaign to Europe, you will need to arrive in Brussels by the evening of Saturday 6th September, and of course you will need to bring your bike with you!

You will meet with Peace Cyclists who have just toured Israel and Palestine, as well as other cyclists and members of European groups campaigning for peace.

On Sunday 7th September we will take part in public demonstrations and media events in the centre of Brussels.

On Monday 8th September we will prepare for a presentation at the European Parliament, and on Tuesday 9th September we will cycle to the Parliament building to hold an official meeting with MEPs and make our presentation to them.

Most urgently, we will demand that Europe takes action to force Israel to end their illegal occupation of Palestine and give peace a real chance in the Middle East.

 

This will mark the conclusion of the Peace Cycle 2008 campaign in Brussels, and participants will return home by their own means.

 

The cost of taking part in the Peace Cycle (Option 3) campaign to Europe is £ 300.00

 

This amount includes:

  • £200 deposit;
  • Four days and nights food and accommodation in Brussels;
  • Inclusion in campaigning events in Brussels and at the European Parliament;
  • £150 charitable donation, administered through MAP, to directly help the Palestinian people by supporting humanitarian projects in Gaza and the West Bank.

 

Not included:

·         Your travel to and from Brussels.

 

Please note that we have not included a place on the Induction Weekend with this option, as this is specifically aimed at cyclists taking part in the ride from Amman to Jerusalem. However, should cyclists wish to attend this weekend to learn more about Israel and Palestine there may be places available on request.

 

We envisage that there will be cyclists from the UK who will be cycling to Brussels for this event, and the Peace Cycle will be encouraging people to cycle together as a large group or groups – more information on this will be distributed nearer to the time, but should you wish to help organise rides from the UK to Brussels, do let us know and we will put you in touch with other keen cyclists willing to do the same!

 

 

 

We would also like to mention here that if any cyclist (or even non-cyclist) has a little spare time and would like to help with organising Peace Cycle events, we would be very happy to hear from you! We are a friendly, committed and dedicated team who give our time voluntarily. There is always a lot to do, and we would welcome support or creative ideas, so get in touch with us if you can help.

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

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