All smiles as Jessie sets off to raise climate change and transport awareness

Around 100 people today gathered to cheer on a 16 year old climate activist from Devon.

Jessie was today all smiles as she set off on her challenge
Author: Andrew KayPublished 20th Oct 2021

Jessie Stevens today set off from Newton Abbot to cheers from well-wishers as she started her journey cycling to Glasgow for COP26.

The 16 year old has crowdfunded almost ÂŁ5,000 for the challenge, which she came up with after being unable to afford a train ticket to the Scottish city, where she wants to make her voice heard.

She will be cycling on quieter routes, which she hopes will encourage others to join her, to help promote cycling and sustainable transport.

The teenager founded her People Pedal Power movement over climate concerns, saying: "I wanted to find a way to get to the COP that was purely powered by myself.

"Bearing in mind that COP6 is being held in Scotland in the Great British Autumn, and is 570 miles away from my home in South Devon, I needed to find a way to get there relatively quickly and efficiently."

Campaigner Jessie Stevens and The Adventure Syndicate's Catherine Dunn speak to reporter Andrew Kay

The Adventure Syndicate- who support female led challenges are helping Jessie through people pedalling a cargo bike - carrying Jessie's stuff - along the 10 day route.