A topic could hardly be more topical. No wonder the cycling industry is also concerned. Actions “against the right” are currently taking place in large numbers and across society. Apart from topics such as the mobility transition or sustainability, the bicycle industry is not necessarily political. So it is a sign of the times when ZEG, one of the “big players” in this country, is launching a campaign called “Stand up against the right!” Specifically, rallies for freedom and democracy are to take place throughout Germany starting in the spring. Without wanting to position ourselves directly politically, we welcome this action, because the bicycle world is unthinkable without international actors. Nationalist tendencies and anti-democratic efforts are a direct threat to our work, which is also our favorite pastime.
Press Release:
Tolerance and consideration on the street, diversity, freedom and democracy in a social context: At the two-wheel shopping cooperative ZEG with its over 1.000 specialist dealers and their around 20.000 employees, there is no place for ideas that threaten democracy or even nationalistic and racist ideas. In spring and summer, rallyes for cyclists are planned throughout Germany, which are organized together with the partners. “Cyclists should set an example for freedom and democracy!”, announced Georg Honkomp, CEO of ZEG, in Cologne.
Cyclists know this: where different people or interests meet, tolerance is required. On the road, for example, where bicycles or e-bikes and motor vehicles share traffic space - ideally in such a way that neither hinders or endangers the other. Or on paths shared by cyclists and pedestrians, or in the forest, where some people want to have fun with their MTB and others want to go for a walk with their dog.
But now some members of a party represented in the Bundestag and state parliaments are discussing the expulsion of millions of people from our country. And whether you agree with certain political decisions or social developments or not, whether you support certain things unconditionally or view them critically: “Everyone in this country is called upon to stand up and take a clear position”, to quote Christian Streich again. Where our Basic Law is to be undermined, where neighbors, friends and, not least, colleagues are to be deprived of their right of residence across the board, a point has been reached where one can no longer remain silent about certain political views, parties and people.
Tolerance and consideration – on the bike and in society
Georg Honkomp, as CEO of ZEG, puts it on behalf of the ZEG family: “As Europe's largest two-wheeler purchasing cooperative with around 600 member companies, over 1.000 specialist retail partners and their around 20.000 employees, we are at the center of our society. We are united by the joy of cycling, the enthusiasm for modern two-wheel technology and the desire to offer high-quality products and provide fair advice. The diversity that characterizes our customers and our employees is a valuable asset for us that must be preserved. And that's why we, the ZEG, want to give a clear rejection of all racist, ethnic and nationalistic ideas. Join us in defending liberal and democratic values – just as you stand for tolerance and consideration on a bicycle or e-bike.”
The ZEG will shortly provide information about the organization of the “Cycling for Freedom and Democracy” rally.