On the occasion of the UCI Mobility & Bike City Forum 2025, held on 20-21 June in Copenhagen, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the World Cycling Centre (WCC-UCI) and Peace and Sport officially announced the launch of “Ride & Learn”, an innovative educational program that places cycling at the heart of social cohesion, inclusion, and the promotion of peace values.
A strategic alliance of complementary expertise
This launch marks the consolidation of a strong and complementary partnership between organizations united by their belief in the lasting impact of sport : the UCI and the WCC-UCI, actors recognized for their technical and pedagogical expertise in cycling, and Peace and Sport, an organization specialized in adapting and designing sports programs aimed at promoting education, inclusion, and peace through sport.
This strategic alliance enables each organization to mobilize its expertise in pursuit of a shared and ambitious goal: making cycling a powerful driver of lasting social change.
A tool to transmit both sporting skills and social values
Stemming from this collaboration, the “Ride & Learn” methodology offers educators, coaches, and teachers innovative tools to teach not only technical cycling skills, but also fundamental values such as respect, active listening, solidarity, and cooperation — helping shape responsible and open-minded citizens.
Developed jointly by experts from the WCC UCI, the UCI, and Peace and Sport, the methodology is presented as an educational manual comprising 75 cycling sessions. This resource, designed to be both structured and adaptable, is based on three progressive value transmission cycles:
- Self-acceptance: building self-confidence, personal expression, and active listening;
- Accepting others: learning mutual respect and constructive communication;
- Living together: promoting team spirit, inclusion, and coexistence within a group.
The “Ride & Learn” program is fully integrated into the UCI and WCC-UCI’s Global Solidarity Program, which supports National Cycling Federations in their development efforts. Additionally, the methodology will be made available to any organization—NGOs, clubs, ministries, or other stakeholders—wishing to use cycling as a tool for peace education and inclusion.
A pilot project in a cycling-engaged territory
The implementation of the methodology began earlier this year with a pilot project in Rwanda, the host country of the first UCI Road World Championships held on the African continent (September 21-28, 2025). Educators certified by the Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) have been trained to lead sessions with disadvantaged young children, creating a safe and supportive learning environment.
Champions for Peace taking action
The success of the “Ride & Learn” program also relies on the commitment of Champions for Peace, high-level athletes from diverse backgrounds who lend their experience and notoriety to the cause. Olympic medalist Benjamin Boukpeti (canoe-kayak) contributed to training educators in Rwanda, while BMX Racing champion Carlos Oquendo led workshops based on the methodology in Colombia, working with youth from vulnerable communities. Athletics legend Wilson Kipketer, present at the UCI Mobility & Bike City Forum 2025, emphasized the importance of athletes as inspiring role models capable of delivering a strong message in favor of social cohesion, inclusion, and peace through sport to institutions and communities.
UCI President David Lappartient said: “The new Ride & Learn programme will help young people in communities around the world develop skills both on and off the bike. It is fitting that the pilot project was implemented in Rwanda, which will host our UCI Road World Championships in September this year, and which recently opened a UCI World Cycling Centre Regional Development Satellite. Our aim is to ensure that everyone, whatever their age or ability, can experience the benefits of riding a bike!”
President and Founder of Peace and Sport Joël Bouzou said: “I am immensely proud of the collaboration between Peace and Sport and the UCI that resulted in the creation of the “Ride and Learn” programme. This initiative will empower educators with the essential tools they need to effect meaningful change and foster the development of more peaceful communities. Together, we are making a significant impact!”
Jean-Jérôme PERRIN-MORTIER, CEO of Peace and Sport: “Thanks to the Ride & Learn methodology, cycling is not just a sport but a true catalyst for education, inclusion, and social change. By providing vulnerable communities with a practical tool to move, learn, and come together, we build bridges of solidarity. Together, we transform cycling into a powerful lever for social cohesion, lasting peace, and hope for a more equitable future.”
Jacques LANDRY, Director of the UCI World Cycling Centre: “Collaborating with Peace and Sport was a natural choice. Their expertise in using sport as a vehicle for peace strengthens our approach. The Ride & Learn methodology goes beyond teaching technical skills, it empowers educators to become true agents of change.”
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