cycling 4 coexistence
This project's parent organization is Samson Riders Bike Club
It operates in Israel
It uses Cycling
Entered the Sport for Conflict Resolution Award
More about cycling 4 coexistence
The project brings together as equals in a regular cycling activity Arab and Jewish girls and boys, who speak different languages, live in separate towns, and sympathize with opposing sides of the Israel-Palestine conflict. It breaks down the widespread mistrust between the two peoples who live segregated lives in neighboring towns and builds cooperation and mutual understanding. When the children first join the group, they are frightened, fueled by negative stereotypes.
The joint cycling activity quickly breaks these prejudices and builds true dialogue, friendship and cooperation which spread far beyond the cycling group, to parents, community leaders, and local government. The children learn together a variety of cycling skills, and how to maintain and mend their bikes and keep fit.
They build bike paths, ride in each other's neighborhood, celebrate cultural events together, and attend national cycling events together away from home. They share fun, physical challenges, and games, and remain friends after the activity. They discover new horizons through trips in regions they have never been to and develop leadership skills. The project has attracted many volunteers from both sectors, developed bike tourism in the region, and has set an example for other bike clubs around the country.