Shocked by media images of the devastating floods in Valencia's southern outskirts and the slow and chaotic official response, local professional Spanish bike rider Juan Dual used his bike to deliver sandwiches to stranded neighbours.
Dual assumed his act of charity would last a day, but after he began posting his trips on social media, others joined the crusade.
Now hundreds of riders, from amateur to professional, pedal up to 100km a day, delivering medicine, gloves, masks, water, food, toilet paper, even cat food.
“On a bike, we’re really efficient. We can ride seven to 10km in 30 minutes, drop food and medicine, then leave for another destination and do it all over again. During this time, cars are stuck for three to four hours,” says Dual.
The riders carry supplies in whatever is available: backpacks, paniers, on front/back racks and kids’ trailers.
The floods, caused by a Dana phenomenon (when warm, moist air meets cold air, creating an unstable weather system; and worsened by climate change), devastated the region on Spain's east coast earlier this month.
More than 200 people have died, many of them elderly. Thousands have lost their homes and streets remain covered in mud and debris.
It took days for officials to mobilise police reinforcement and soldiers on the ground and many people reported having received little to no official help since the disaster struck. Roads were blocked, but only for cars and trucks. Bikes could still get through.
The volunteer bike riders have been faster than the official emergency response and their efforts have been recognised around the world.
The volunteer riders use the AyudaTerreta website to spot where help is needed next.
Sources: Reporterre and BBC
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