.. with the goal of convincing world leaders to make the right decisions when they meet this December in Copenhagen, Denmark to craft a new global treaty on cutting emissions. The problem is, the treaty currently on the table does not meet the severity of the climate crisis - it does not pass the 350 test.

350 is the number that scientists recognise as the safe upper limit of CO2 in our atmosphere. It is the level where we can live sustainably on Earth, so forms the goal for all climate change discussions.

"Cyclists are already part of the solution towards reducing CO2, but in this battle nobody can succeed alone, so we must share this message with everybody," Leuchs said.
 
"This is why I have launched 350 Riders - to unite cyclists, give them a voice on climate change and encourage them to spread the message of 350."

Joining is as simple as placing a green 350 number plate on the front of your bicycle, riding and being noticed. The hope is to see 350 Riders on every street and every bike park, that school and university bike parks will turn green and that people everywhere will ask what 350 is all about.

"So, this is an invitation to all those who want to see a better future. It's for people who see how serious climate change is, but also offers us a chance to celebrate together and promote cycling as part of the solution," Leuchs said. 
 
Green number plate stickers will be available free from specific cafés and at all R&R sport stores nationwide and can be made into a number plate by recycling an ice cream container to use as a backing board. 

Alternatively, inspiring artists are encouraged to make their own 350-themed number plates. Riders are asked to take a photo and upload them to the website, www.350riders.org, which will be put together to form a giant collage to be presented to the government on October 24.
 
350 Riders will also join together for mass events, such as the ride held in Wellington on Saturday (August 22) to celebrate its launch with about 120 cyclists forming a giant 350 on the water front, before heading out through the city's streets. The next event will take place on September 13 in Rotorua.  All riders are welcome to come to Rotorua, watch the UCI Mountain Bike Trials World Cup and be part of a spectacular 350 public/practise trials zone. Around the zone there will be a passionate group of 350 representatives led by New Zealand's Unicef U17 representative Phoebe Hunt. Miss Hunt will be available to explain and answer questions about climate change.

"The aim is to have as many people as possible join together in a group photo -  everyone is welcome," Leuchs said.
 
October 24 is 350's International Day of Climate Action. Groups throughout the world will be taking action to raise awareness about the number 350. As part of October 24 actions planned by 350 Aotearoa, 350 Riders aims to help co-ordinate mass rides in all major centres of New Zealand. 
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