150 people came together in central London on Sunday (22/06) for Clean Air for the Ends, Poetic Unity’s powerful community bike ride and rally demanding clean air for all. Among the attendees was London’s Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Mete Coban MBE, joining residents and riders in a united call to end environmental racism across the Capital.
The event – now in its second year – was a bold, joyful act of protest and community building, highlighting how Black and marginalised Londoners are still disproportionately affected by toxic air despite city-wide initiatives like the ULEZ. The ride, held in collaboration with Forest Bikes and Live + Breathe, is a centrepiece of Poetic Unity’s broader campaign around National Clean Air Day (20 June).
Ryan J. Matthews-Robinson, CEO and Founder of Poetic Unity, said:
“Yesterday was a special day to see so many people in the community come together to demand Clean Air For The Ends. We believe in making a change in this world and we are doing this in a way that is intentionally fuelled by joy and connection.”
Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy, said:
“Everyone should be able to breathe clean air, and we know that those from ethnic minority communities are disproportionately affected by air pollution. Improving our air quality is an urgent matter of social justice, and I was delighted to join the community bike ride with Poetic Unity and Live + Breathe to support their Clean Air for the Ends campaign. The campaign raises awareness of the vital issues surrounding our fight for clean air and brings the community together to take action. The Mayor and I will continue to prioritise improving air quality as we build a greener, fairer London for everyone.”
The bike ride went from Brockwell Park through Brixton, Peckham, Westminster, Battersea Power Station, Clapham Common and back to Brockwell Park. Free bikes were distributed to local residents by Forest Bikes, reinforcing the message that sustainable transport must be accessible to all. Participants rode through South London in matching green T-shirts, creating a moving image of solidarity, resistance, and demand for change.
Though pollution levels in London are decreasing overall, there is no safe level for exposure to air pollution. Air pollution is disproportionally higher for those communities that have a higher proportion of people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.
