Cornwall business leader among 100 cyclists making epic climate change ride to COP26

The peloton are asking people to make pledges ahead of the summit in Glasgow

Author: Emma HartPublished 24th Oct 2021

A Cornwall business leader is among 100 cyclists riding from London to Glasgow ahead of what is being called the most important summit on climate change in a generation.

The peloton will travel over 475 miles in just seven days to COP26, to raise awareness about the plight facing our planet

The aim of the ride is to raise climate action, build awareness of positive climate solutions and create a community of climate champions.

All riders have their own pledge page where, instead of raising cash, they are asking for simple actions in people’s everyday lives.

Every commitment will have a direct carbon saving and will help send a powerful message that people care and are ready to create more change.

Matt Hocking, who found Truro-based design agency Leap, based on people and planet, is part of the peloton.

He is asking people in Cornwall to get behind him and make pledges, that could be anything from reducing reliance on tumble dryers to eating less meat.

Matt says: "The reason I’m doing this is because we all have to show up, raise our voice and use everything we can of ourselves to change the world for good. This is about using myself, Leap and the powers of communication to build awareness and create change. Plus I’m 50 in November and my love handles need some work!

He adds: "Our world leaders must go beyond words, handshakes and more meetings with extended timelines to real seismic rapid action to protect the future for all. I don’t want to see another wrangle over who is doing what, I want us to be in position where we can celebrate the change that has been made in the world for its inhabitants.

"My hope alongside the 475 miles of cycling is to raise 500+ pledge actions and micro carbon reduction measures. Like cycling, this is good for us and the planet and good for our pocket as it costs nothing more than time and physical energy.

"I’d love the people and businesses of Cornwall to get behind me as I represent our incredible county and opportunity for the future".

The team at Leap and fellow Old Bakery Studios businesses will be matching Matt’s ride at Leap’s studio space on a turbo.

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