Specialized shuts down website and headquarters as part of climate strike

The US bike brand is supporting young activists trying to raise awareness of the climate crisis

(Image credit: NurPhoto via Getty Images)

US bike brand Specialized has shut down its website and global headquarters as part of an international climate strike.

Activists across the world are demonstrating to raise awareness of the climate crisis, with young people holding school strikes and public demonstrations.

The Global Climate Strike started on Friday (September 20) with another day of action expected a week later, with Specialized joining the action.

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Specialized said in a statement: “This Friday Specialized will join the Global Climate Strike by closing our website and global headquarters to support the youth activists driving this movement.

“We hope that you’ll join us by participating in your local community, and show that together we can pedal the planet forward.”

Action is taking place across 150 countries in an attempt to spur governments to tackle climate change to safe the environment.

A statement on the official Global Climate Strike website said: “This week will be historic. In over 150 countries, people are stepping up to support young climate strikers and demand an end to the age of fossil fuels. The climate crisis won’t wait, so neither will we.

“Now, millions of adults are joining in a huge wave of that will kickstart renewed action all over the world. The urgency of the climate crisis requires a new approach and a just response centred on human rights, equity, and justice. Follow the actions and join the movement.”

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The Specialized website was shut down on Friday, with a message reading: “We’re closed.

“Our site is closed today as we support the youth activists taking part in the Global Climate Strike.

“We hope that you join us and participate in your community.”

This year Specialized also launched ‘The Issue Is,’ a campaign exploring the issues the cycling world faces, including diversity and inclusivity, body image and recovering from trauma.

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Alex Ballinger

Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers.  Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.