Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, numerous countries, companies, organizations, and people from around the world have banded together to offer support for the Ukrainian people. Russia’s attack on Ukraine is the largest mobilization of armed forces in Europe since the end of World War II, and more than 5.6 million Ukrainian refugees have fled the country as of July 8.
Check out these cycling-related initiatives for Ukraine below, along with other ways to show your support.
Velocio Unity for Ukraine Jersey
Every year since 2017, cycling apparel company Velocio releases limited edition jerseys to raise money for a particular cause. This year, Velocio has chosen to support the people of Ukraine.
“There’s no escaping the effects of the war in Ukraine in 2022 and we have friends and colleagues who have been directly impacted. Their pain is real and their hardship makes a better way very clear: to that end, we’re focusing this year’s fundraising efforts directly into the hands that help,” Velocio stated on its website.
The ‘Unity for Ukraine’ jersey is designed to resemble the Ukrainian flag and is made with recycled fabric. The jerseys are available on pre-order now (and pre-order only) until July 20 and will ship in late September.
Each jersey costs $189. All proceeds will go to Doctors Without Borders, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and UNICEF Ukraine. You can pre-order a jersey here.
“Ride Bikes Not Tanks”
The New York City cycling brand and storefront Rubber N’ Road is raising money for humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine through the sale of T-shirts with a Ukrainian flag-inspired logo reading: “Ride Bikes Not Tanks.”
The shirts are available to purchase through Rubber N’ Road’s website for $40, and 100 percent of the net proceeds will be donated to the Ukrainian Red Cross Society.
“Cycling for us is a vehicle to foster a community and drive change,” said co-owner Gil Lavi in a press release. “The Ride Bikes Not Tanks T-shirt is a grassroots effort by our community which warms our hearts. It showcases the faces and hands of the riders who make Rubber N’ Road a global family. It’s been truly inspiring to see members of our core New York cycling community, who represent many nations from around the world, volunteer their time to support this initiative. We are proud to stand as a global community with the people of Ukraine.”
Lavi, co-owner Max Davis, and a team of volunteers have been working on collecting, screen printing, and preparing the T-shirts for shipment. Davis noted that on most nights, they’ve usually had around eight volunteers helping out.
“We wanted to enable people to show their support for the people of Ukraine at blazing speed, while ensuring we maximize the donation and make participation affordable,” Davis told Bicycling. “Different T-shirts were used, many of which were produced from recycled materials and mostly in Central America in factories that are focused on sustainability and ethical compliance.”
The group started making and selling the shirts on February 27 and have raised almost $10,000 as of March 11.
Rouvy’s Ride for Ukraine
Editor’s note: This initiative ended March 13, 2022.
Rouvy, the indoor cycling virtual platform, hosted a fundraiser ride called Ride for Ukraine.
“We have unhesitatingly decided to express support to the country that is now facing similar aggression as the home country of Rouvy, the Czech Republic, did in its history twice,” Rouvy’s website stated. “Our goal is to unite people in the belief of liberty, democracy, and simple fair play.”
To participate, riders completed a 6.21-mile virtual route that’s accompanied by video from a ride outside of the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. The route had to be completed in time trial mode in order for it to count, meaning that the ride couldn’t be paused and the rider could not change their virtual avatar’s position on the route.
For every ride completed, Rouvy pledged to donate one euro to UNICEF. So far, as of March 11, over 15,500 riders have participated. This initiative ended March 13, 2022.
Donate Directly
There are many ways to donate money or lend your support to the people of Ukraine. Explore the links below:
Ukrainian Red Cross Society — Ukraine’s national Red Cross chapter.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) — The international network of Red Cross chapters, including those assisting Ukrainian refugees who have fled to neighboring countries.
UNICEF — The United Nations Children’s Fund.
Airbnb — People are financially supporting Ukrainians directly by renting Airbnb rentals in Ukraine without any intent of staying there. Airbnb is also coordinating with rental owners to host Ukrainian refugees.
Direct Relief— An organization coordinating with Ukraine’s Ministry of Health to send medical aid.
When she’s not out riding her mountain bike, Jessica is an editor for Popular Mechanics. She was previously an editor for Bicycling magazine.
