The World Bike Ride Took to the Streets of Prague on Sunday, 31 May. Six Hundred People Rode Through Heavy Rain Under the Slogan “Connected by Cycling”

The group ride celebrated the bicycle as the transport mode of the future. To mark World Bicycle Day, the AutoMat association brought together people with different views and experiences of cycling in the city. Despite the weather, people of several generations, parents with children, representatives of embassies and the UN office in Czechia rode through the city centre, highlighting the need for safe cycling infrastructure.

The World Cycling Ride set off at 2 p.m. from Bike Jesus on Štvanice Island, accompanied by rumbling thunder. The approximately 10-kilometre route led through central Prague and, although suitable for families with children, the weather turned it into a genuine challenge. Despite no cyclist — young or old — staying dry during the hour-long ride, the peloton maintained its good spirits all the way to the finish.

“The extreme conditions during the ride confirmed the strength of the cycling community. We thank everyone who made it to the finish, as well as those who rode with us for at least part of the way,” says Michal Kalina, Head of the Sustainable Urbanism Lab at the organising association AutoMat.

Fotogalerie Jan Hromádko

Fotogalerie @parekvole

Video z Cyklojízdy 2026

Discussion, Presentation and Music

After returning to Štvanice, the accompanying programme got underway. Bike Jesus hosted a discussion on transport and public space featuring a range of interesting guests (Vladimír 518, journalist Táňa Zabloudilová, Yvette Vašourková of CCEA MOBA, and transport consultant Martin Marek), moderated by Pavel Šebesta and Karolína Faberová (Psycho podcast, Radio Wave).

This was followed by a presentation by Michal Kalina and Milan Mík from AutoMat’s Sustainable Urbanism Lab on measuring cycling traffic in Prague and analysing cycling accidents in 2025. DJ Gadjo then provided the music, while bicycle servicing was provided by the Bike Kitchen Prague collective.

We’re Not Made of Sugar

The event was co-organised by the UN Information Centre in Prague and held under the patronage of the Deputy Mayor of Prague responsible for transport. A number of foreign embassies also took part, including the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Czechia, Mina Noor.

In her opening remarks, she told participants that they were not made of sugar and therefore had no reason to worry about the rain, pointing out that the Dutch are renowned for their ability to get around by bicycle in all kinds of weather. The project was financially supported by the City of Prague.

The Best Way to Get Around

The World Cycling Ride symbolically celebrated World Bicycle Day, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly for 3 June in 2018. The UN calls on member states to integrate cycling into public transport systems and improve road safety. The EU’s European Declaration on Cycling likewise recognises cycling as one of the most sustainable, accessible, affordable and healthy forms of transport and recreation.

Partner Embassies of the World Bike Ride 2026

Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium, Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark, Embassy of Japan, Embassy of Sweden, Embassy of the Republic of Poland, Embassy of the Swiss Confederation, Embassy of the Republic of Austria, Embassy of the Portuguese Republic

Opening photo: Jan Hromádko