Novi Sad, 17th June
We were so emotional the night we arrived in Strasbourg after 13 days of cycling; everyone was crying. We were given some medals and certificates as a “thank you.” Then, the next day, we were received at the European Parliament.
Most of us agreed that our bike ride protest was the closest we could get to what we consider the ideal way of fighting corruption in our country. You know, this is as good as it gets for the moment, given the available options in Serbia right now.
Everything started with the collapse of the canopy at the Novi Sad railway station on the 1st November 2024. That was the final straw. Sixteen people were killed, others were badly injured. It’s been six months since then, and still not a single person has taken responsibility. It was that tragedy that pushed many of us into protesting.
We began by blocking our university faculties, then we moved to traffic blockades. I started participating because, like many of my fellow students, I’m not satisfied with the current government — especially with the leading political forces.
Over several months, we organized lots of big protests. The biggest one was in Belgrade, on the 15th March. Depending on the source, between 600,000 and one million people turned up. On that day, we believe they used a sound canon against us, injuring many and causing a lot of trauma.
It was at that moment that we decided to take our protest across the border to Strasbourg, and we chose to go by bicycle. We wanted to show Europe what was happening in Serbia.
I actually learned about the tour just nine days before it started. I’m an athlete; I’ve been training since I was four. I also wanted to prove to myself that I could pedal that distance in two weeks. I knew it would be difficult, but everything seemed well organized, and I had no concerns.
A few days before the tour, we had a test ride to see who was fit enough to handle it — pedaling about 130 kilometers at an average speed of 22.5 km/h. Only those who passed were allowed to join. It wasn’t for everyone; the plan was to ride for 13 days straight.
Then we set off. We listened to music and all sang along. After a few days, the knee, back and hip pain began. I also injured a muscle. But the camaraderie was amazing. If someone was struggling to climb a hill, stronger cyclists would push them from behind to help.
In almost every city, people welcomed us warmly. It was very touching — especially because, after cycling all day, you’re exhausted, you just want to rest — and then a crowd appears, cheering you on. After a few days on the road, of meeting people who let us sleep in their homes, who fed us, who offered us showers, and even washed our clothes, I realized how important it was, what we were doing.
At first, I thought, “OK, I’m going to lose a year of my studies because of this blockade.” And then I was like, “OK, I’m losing a year. But compare that to potentially living in a much better country…” I’m not happy with how things are here, but now, by sacrificing a year of my studies, I have a chance to make things right, with my comrades. That’s a risk we’re willing to take.
It was very difficult at the beginning because you don’t know how your mum and dad, or your family and friends will react. But I received full support from my parents and extended family, and I’m very grateful for that.
I still believe we can make a difference. If we succeed here, other countries may follow. I think the game is still on. We threw some good punches. They threw some too. We were perhaps more dominant at the beginning because everything was new. Now it feels more like a routine. But people still support us.
