Virtual Refugee Cycle 2020
The UNESCO RILA Ride 2020 has now concluded. Thank you to everyone who took part!
Two months into lockdown, with still no clear end date in sight, the UNESCO RILA team, in collaboration with Sustrans and Bike for Good, have created an online version of their popular annual Refugee Cycle, called the UNESCO RILA Ride 2020.
The game can be played entirely online, but if you have a bicycle and would like to use it, you are more than welcome to follow the route and progress through the game at the various checkpoints during your ride. Maps are provided throughout the game, to keep you on track.
If you've ever been on the actual Refugee Cycle, you'll recognise a lot of the elements. However, because of the online format, the team has to make a few changes. Doing an online version of a live event may sound like a weak substitute, but the online environment also provided the opportunity to add in some nice touches that would have been impossible during the live event.
What are the benefits of a virtual cycle over the live event?
1) You won't need to worry about the rain
2) You don't need a bike and you won't need to fix that flat tyre
3) Toilet available whenever you need it
4) This version can be done in stages, spread out over various days
5) There are points to be won, so you can turn it into a competition!
6) You don't even need to be able to cycle
Image above: RILA coordinator and developer of the virtual UNESCO RILA Ride Bella Hoogeveen on her Dutch bike.