More than 100 cyclists from all round the world took part in a Green Cycle Ride from Beijing's ancient Drum Tower to the Museum of National History on October 24, to mark the International Day of Climate Action organized by green pressure group 350.org. Across the country nearly 300 youth organizations took part in a "China Youth Climate Change Day of Action" organized by the China Youth Climate Action Network (CYCAN).

The Beijing cycle ride was organized by CYCAN in cooperation with the Green Long March Project and eco-arts group Greening the Beige.

Cyclists set off on a Green Cycle Ride from the Drum Tower in Beijing at noon, October 24,2009.[Courtesy of CYCAN]

The cyclists set off from the Drum Tower at 12:30 and arrived at Beijing Museum of Natural History at 2 pm., after picking up supporters on the way. Eye-catching banners along the route reminded passers-by of the importance of the fight against climate change.

The Beijing cycle ride was not just a practical demonstration of how carbon emissions can be cut but was also a great day out. When the riders arrived at Beijing Museum of Natural History they took part in a "Climate Change Carnival", featuring exhibitions, games and petitions organized by students from around Beijing.

International green pressure group www.350.org, designated October 24, 2009 as International Day of Climate Action. In China CYCAN organized a day of action to raise awareness of climate change among young people. 285 youth groups from across China responded to the call to organize activities designed to popularize the idea of a low-carbon future.

350.org takes its name from 350 parts per million - what scientists believe is the maximum safe level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Cyclists ride from Beijing's Drum Tower to the Museum of National History to raise public awareness of climate change, October 24,2009.[Courtesy of CYCAN]