Egypt launched an early start to Moving Planet day on Friday September 23, with events in Cairo, Alexandria and Mansoura. Moving Planet is a worldwide movement during which grassroots organizations, environmentalist groups and concerned citizens unite together to stand against global climate change, advocate for the use of clean energy and speak out about the dependence on fossil fuels. This year's Moving Planet is September 24. Over 500 people gathered at 9 a.m. at Merryland Park in Cairo's Heliopolis neighborhood. People arrived on bicycles and on foot; many dressed in blue symbolizing the Nile River. Some carried banners arguing for the protection of Egypt's most vital water resource. Together the participants marched and chanted while forming a “human Nile” in the streets of Cairo. The marchers stopped at a nearby park where a stage had been erected and where the Heliopolis district president greeted them. Opening speeches by the organizers pointed out the drastic need for new policy and behavior – both on the political and personal level. They also alluded to progress being made in certain parts of Egypt. Some bicycle lanes have been painted in the Menoufia and Fayoum governorates, mentioned environmental expert Ahmed Dorghamy, adding that bicycle lanes are also plotted in the 6 of October City, a Cairo suburb. With sufficient pressure, he added, cities will be forced to include bicycle lanes. After organizers' speeches, a concert, emceed by Mashroo3 el-Mareekh's Mariam Quesseny, began on stage. The popular band Zabaleen, which uses recycled materials as part of its music, played. "I think today could spark environmental consciousness and promote environmentally friendly behavior even if it's just a symbolic event – it's a good start," said Quesseny. Alexandria and Mansoura held similar events during which local activists gathered to spread awareness in communities. Egypt's oldest cycling club, Cycle Egypt, sponsored a mini marathon and cycling rally in Alexandria and several musical and dancing performances were held by the Alexandria Library.
