Water managers finish in Groningen after climate bike ride across the NAP zero metre line
The Climate Classic Noorderzijlvest Water Authority Monday evening, June 19, at the headquarters of Noorderzijlvest Water Authority . This is a bike ride from Breda to Groningen aimed at raising awareness about climate change. The route follows the NAP zero-meter line—the coastline that would emerge if sea levels rise too high. More than 700 participants crossed the finish line. Several water board teams also took part.
Water Authorities and Climate Change
The Climate Classic is an initiative of Cycling4Climate, which organises cycling events organises the aim of raising awareness about the climate crisis and getting people active in a fun way. Dijkgraaf Roeland van der Schaaf of Noorderzijlvest Water Authority: “This initiative demonstrates in an engaging way how working together can help us make progress. Eight water board relay teams passed a symbolic baton to each other at every water board boundary. That kind of collaboration is also needed in other areas. The water authorities deal with the consequences of climate change every day. Think of periods of prolonged drought and extreme downpours. These will only occur more frequently in the future. Together with other governments, organizations, and residents, we will have to make careful decisions to keep our region livable.”
Eight water board teams
The water boards along the route each fielded their own teams. In total, more than 100 water board employees and board members took part in the ride. The first teams set off from Breda at 5:30 a.m. At each water board boundary, relay teams passed the baton—a water bottle containing climate pledges—to the next team. Some water board employees cycled the entire 375 km. Others completed part of the route. Eleven water board employees from Noorderzijlvest participated in the ride.
More information
Two journalism students at the University of Groningen wrote an article and created the video below about the Climate Classic.