Cycle Around the Globe 2022

IASP’s free virtual cycling event, Cycle Around the Globe, has seen its most monumental participation to date with over 2,000 participants in over 47 countries cycling to raise awareness for suicide prevention.  

For the ninth year running, participants joined together to collectively cycle the circumference of the globe in the period between World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) and World Mental Health Day (10 October). This year, participants walked, ran, and cycled a phenomenal 297,852 KM to break the stigma surrounding suicide – A distance equivalent to over 7 times around the globe!  

The current World Suicide Prevention Day theme, ‘Creating Hope Through Action’ is a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide. It aims to inspire confidence and light in all of us; that our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who may be struggling.  

Over 85 teams took on the challenge globally this year, including, Pirae Cyclisme, StandBy Support After Suicide, Roses in the Ocean, Take2 Consulting and Express Solicitors, alongside returning teams, GoPro Employees for a Cause, the CCC Foundation, Teléfono de la Esperanza and Verizon.  Teams encompassed those working across the mental health space, as well as several employee volunteer programs and CSR initiatives. 

Team Verizon continued their support by engaging 740 of their employees to raise awareness and encourage conversations on suicide as part of their annual suicide prevention month activities. The team contributed an incredible 73,000KM towards the overall distance cycled and raised $9,766.  

As part of their World Mental Health Day activities, UP Inštitut Andrej Marušič, a research institute operating within the University of Primorska, were joined by Kilometri za življenje (Kilometers for Life), an annual cycling event held in Slovenia and collectively cycled a colossal 86,270 KM, finishing top of the Cycle Around the Globe 2022 leader board.  

Each year, IASP invites the global community to come together to cycle for suicide prevention for free, to ensure anyone, anywhere in the world can get involved. This year over $20,000 has been raised by participants towards global suicide prevention efforts. If you would like to donate to the campaign, please click here.  

IASP is grateful to everyone who has taken part in Cycle Around the Globe 2022 for their support and for helping to prevent suicide. Changing the narrative around suicide through encouraging hope can create a more compassionate society where those in need feel more comfortable in coming forward to seek help. If you would like to discuss engagement opportunities ahead of Cycle Around the Globe 2023, please contact communications@iasp.info  

(Images above from CAMPH Kenya, Pirae Cyclisme, GoPro Employees for a Cause and Take2 Consulting)