Ende Gelände: Stop Fossil Capitalism!
Ende Gelände is a German mass movement that has been shutting down the fossil fuel industry with large-scale and spectacular actions since 2015. You have probably seen them: the images of thousands of activists in white overalls occupying coal mines. See, for example, this video from 2018: https://www.youtube.com/watch?=_iVFibs-O6c
Ende Gelände’s roots lie in the anti-nuclear and anti-coal movements. Together with tens of thousands of people, EG has shown how strong and broad the resistance is to a fossil-fuel “business as usual.” The fact that a coal phase-out made it onto the political agenda with an exit date being set is a victory for the whole movement. EG operates through civil disobedience direct actions to physically bring the fossil fuel machinery to a halt.
🔥 This year, Ende Gelände is targeting, among other things, LNG (liquefied natural gas) and the construction of new gas-fired power plants. Gas is a catalyst for the climate crisis, and therefore we demand: “NOW MORE THAN EVER: PUT AN END TO ALL FOSSIL FUELS!”
PLEASE NOTE: there is a (high) risk of arrest and police violence during the EG action. Therefore, please check for yourself whether this action is suitable for you. On May 27, there will be an extensive training day at the action camp where you will be trained for this.
Although Ende Gelände is known for its actions in lignite mines, action against coal alone is not enough! EG remains steadfast and will not allow the hard-won coal phase-out to be turned into a shift to gas. In the Netherlands, we know all too well that gas is not a solution… For EG, the principle has always been — and still is: EG will not stand by while our future is burned away; while regions in the Global South are sacrificed; while only a few profit from energy production at the expense of the vast majority.
Social crises are escalating at all fronts and Germany, whilst re-militarizing itself, also aims to fuel the current ‘global boiling’ by building up to 20 new fossil gas power plants – seriously?! Just like in the Netherlands, this shale gas comes primarily from the United States. We say: No fracking way!
As Luchtfietsers, we fully identify with this message, and therefore, together with other cyclists, we are joining Ende Gelände! We cycle and campaign for a good life beyond capitalism and (imperialist) wars. For public control of energy. For global social and climate justice! From the action camp in the Ruhr Area, we will shut down harmful infrastructure together and across movements. Join us!
Do you have any questions or need anything specific to make it possible for you to join us? Let us know – we’re sure we can find a solution: post@deluchtfietsers.nl
🚲 On the bike to Ende Gelände 🚲
Before we set off on our bikes on 23 May, we’re organising a welcome and getting to know each other evening in Rotterdam on 22 May. As a collective, we want to ensure that everyone feels safe, comfortable and heard. Together, we’ll create a ‘safe space’ and a ‘brave space’, where everyone feels confident to speak their mind and to speak up towards each other. We will discuss what it means to be a ‘self-organising’ organisation, looking at how we look after the community and how we share care responsibilities. Together we are the Luchtfietsers!
We are a group of enthusiastic activists fighting for climate justice. We organise the Ende Gelände cycle tour as volunteers. We do our best to make it a success, but we are not a (commercial) travel agency. We plan the route and look for places to stay in advance, but along the way, there is no longer any question of organization; we do that together. Everyone cycles with consideration for others, taking responsibilities and at their own risk.
Along the way, we will need to work together as a cycling community. We form a collective in which we help, support and motivate one another, and have fun of course. In this way, we make the tour and the EG action a special adventure.
The tour, including the action, will last 8 days (according to our current schedule), consisting of four cycling days, one action preparation day, and three action days. We will stay overnight in Rotterdam (May 22), Wijk bij Duurstede (May 23), Uedem (May 24), and Recklinghausen (May 25), arriving at the action camp on May 26. There is a training day on May 27. The action itself runs from May 28 to May 30.
You’re also welcome to join us for just one or a few days of cycling. You can choose to do so without officially registering. But it would be great if you could email or text us to let us know where you’ll be joining us!
If you just want to cycle and don’t want to take part in the action, you’re still welcome; you can stay at the EG action camp, attend workshops and, for example, help with cooking for the activists or cleaning tasks.
If you want to take part in the action, EG recommends that you arrive at the action camp by 26 May at the latest, to ensure you don’t miss any information or important additional training sessions on the 27th. Read the EG Action Consensus here: Action Consensus – Ende Gelände
We will share the full route via Signal before we leave.
The average daily distance is around 70-80 kilometers. For some, this is an easy take; for others, it’s a real challenge. Still, we don’t think you necessarily need to be in top physical condition or a super-athlete to take part. Everyone can join in at their own pace. It’s spring and the days are long, so take your time.
It is important, however, that your bike is working well. Although there will be plenty of people along who can patch a puncture or repair a broken chain, we do expect you to take responsibility for your own bike. So please check your bike beforehand and bring a repair kit.
We prepare meals together, taking turns to cook and do the shopping each day. We’ll bring a trolley with cooking equipment and a portable hob. Be sure to bring your own plate, cup and cutlery. All communal meals are vegan, and we’ll also draw up an allergy list to take individual dietary requirements into account. Of course, you’re also free to go to the shop yourself and buy and cook your own food.
We’ll also organise breakfast together so you can bring a sandwich for the journey or pop into the shop yourself if you prefer that.
Electric: green or not?
Although there are legitimate concerns about the sustainability and environmental impact of electric bikes, hand bikes, mobility scooters and the like, we do not rule out participation on an electric bike. We understand that for some people, this is the only way they can take part. Do bear in mind the daily distances and the range of your battery! You are responsible for charging your e-bike or mobility scooter in a sustainable manner, but electricity will be available at the overnight stops.
And as for the impact of electric mobility on the environment and climate: we’ll have plenty of time to discuss that with one another along the way 😉
Accommodation will be arranged for every night. This might be at a project or at houses or gardens of private people. In any case, please bear in mind that these will be basic accommodations.
If you want or need more comfort, or don’t fancy lying awake listening to snoring all around you, you can choose to arrange your own accommodation via, for example, WarmShowers, B&Bs, hostels, etc.
A packing list with the items we think you’ll need will be shared later, but here are some things to bear in mind:
Disclaimer: At the EG Action Camp, the tents are not guarded, especially when most people are out in an action. Be aware that occasionally people with less loving intentions may turn up, although the chance of this is small. Therefore, be mindful of what items you bring with you. There is, however, almost always a secure storage facility where you can leave your mobile phones, wallets and laptops.
We want to make the Ende Gelände tour as accessible as possible, including for those on a tight budget. We therefore operate on the principle of solidarity: we share the costs together. During the cycling tour, we ask each participant for an anonymous financial contribution towards accommodation and meals. One or two people keep track of the cash balance. If it threatens to run dry, a donation will be requested again.
We do not want this contribution to be a barrier to participation. That is why there is also a solidarity fund, for when you need a small amount, for example, to buy snacks for the road. You can use this anonymously. If the costs are a problem, please contact us. Together we will find a solution: post@deluchtfietsers.nl
At the action camp, there also will be a donation box with a recommended amount.
Disclaimer: Take cash! Our shared cost pot and the pot at the action camp have to be paid with cash.
Going home
Once the Ende Gelände action is over, it’s up to everyone to make their own way home or continue their journey. Of course, we can arrange to travel back together. You can for example cycle the 180km back to the Netherlands in a day, or catch a train nearby that goes to Venlo or Arnhem. German local trains are very bike-friendly, and a bike ticket is cheaper than in the Netherlands. Furthermore, GreenPeace buses are also going to the Netherlands; however, it is not yet clear to us whether they are willing to take people with bicycles back with them.
For more information:
