Commission requested to propose directive for safeguarding workers from ionizing radiation hazards.
On Sunday, the 25th of May, 2025, mark the 32nd year of the annivalsary commemoration for the infamous racist arson attack in Solingen. This horrific event claimed the lives of five innocent members of the Genc family in 1993. To honor the victims and send a loud and clear message against racism and exclusion, the State Integration Council of North Rhine-Westphalia, along with numerous municipal integration councils, has organized a joint bicycle ride to Solingen for several years.
This year, a crew from Bergisch Gladbach - coordinated by the Integration Council of Bergisch Gladbach, ADFC RheinBerg-Oberberg, and the City Sports Association of Bergisch Gladbach - will participate in this poignant act. The motto is simple: "Remember together, move, and stand against racism".
"We, at the City Sports Association of Bergisch Gladbach, stand for a tolerant unity and lived diversity - in sports as well as society. That's why we support this action once again this year and remember the victims of Solingen - sportingly, actively, and visibly," says Dettlef Rockenberg, a representative from the City Sports Association.
The memorial service takes place at 9:30 AM at the NSU memorial "10+1 Trees" on Quirlsberg at the Gnadenkirche in Bergisch Gladbach. Inaugurated in June 2024, this memorial commemorates the victims of the right-wing terrorist NSU. Over a span of six years, from 2000 to 2006, nine individuals with a migration background - eight of Turkish descent and one of Greek descent - and, in 2007, German police officer Michele Kiesewetter, were murdered due to racist and right-wing extremist motives. The number eleven denotes ten trees for the ten NSU victims and one tree for all other victims of racist attacks.
All are invited to attend, regardless of participation in the subsequent bicycle ride – an opportunity to remember and make a visible stand against racist violence.
"The arson attack in Solingen and the NSU murder series were borne out of racism and right-wing extremism. Their victims were explicitly targeted based on their immigration history. That's why our joint remembrance today is of paramount importance – as a visible sign against right-wing violence, hatred, exclusion, and discrimination of any kind, and for a solidarity-based society," says Redouan Tollih from the Integration Council of Bergisch Gladbach.
Following the memorial service, the bicycling group will embark from Quirlsberg towards Solingen at approximately 10 AM. The route runs through Leverkusen and Solingen-Ohligs to the memorial for the victims of the arson attack and continues to the crime scene in the Untere Wernerstraße in Solingen.
The route spans approximately 35 kilometers (one way), takes roughly 2.5 hours, and will be navigated at a casual pace. Participation is absolutely free, attended at your own risk, and open to all – regardless of age, experience, or fitness level. "We cycle leisurely and welcome any support – whether you're riding a touring bike, e-bike, or cargo bike. Everyone is welcome to join – even without prior registration," says Bernhard Werheid from ADFC RheinBerg-Oberberg e.V.
This year's action is also supported by the "Alliance Against Racism and for Diversity". Established in May 2024 under the initiative of the Integration Council, this alliance currently consists of over 30 social, church, and political organizations from Bergisch Gladbach. Led by Mayor Frank Stein, it seeks an open, solidarity-based, and diverse coexistence through enlightenment, encounters, concrete projects, and collaborative activities.
For all participants, anti-racist t-shirts will be provided, depending on availability. Posters, banners, and short speeches at the destination in Solingen will reinforce the message: racism and exclusion have no place – neither in Solingen nor in Bergisch Gladbach. The organizers, Integrationsrat, Stadtsportverband, and ADFC, look forward to making a strong statement against racism together and promoting a solidarity and inclusive society.
- "On social media, theIntegration Council of Bergisch Gladbach invites everyone to share photos and stories from the bicycle ride, encouraging a wider audience to stand in solidarity against racism and exclusion."
- "In addition to the bicycle ride, the City Sports Association of Bergisch Gladbach has partnered with local entertainment agencies to organize a concert in the evening, promoting unity and diversity across all age groups."
- "The bicycle ride also serves as a platform for general news outlets to cover the event, bringing attention to the issues of crime and justice, especially those involving racism and right-wing extremism."
