'Maybe there's also an anarchist component to biking' - meet the man cycling against borders, from Amsterdam to Japan

Seb, a 25-year-old cyclist from Amsterdam, has embarked on an ambitious journey to cycle from the Netherlands to Japan, aiming to explore the realities of borders and the experiences of those who struggle to cross them. His trip, now over 400 days in duration, was temporarily halted after a crash in Syria resulted in a broken collarbone. Despite the injury, Seb’s time in Syria was formative, highlighting the stark contrast between his freedom of movement and the restricted passage faced by many migrants, a disparity symbolised by the difference in their passports. The journey is driven by Seb’s desire to understand global inequalities, particularly the impact of Western imperialism and sanctions on countries like Iraq and Afghanistan. Cycling serves as a practical and symbolic tool for connection and self-sufficiency, allowing him to engage directly with people and places often overlooked. Seb also reflects on the historical significance of bicycles as instruments of resistance, citing their use by the Dutch resistance during Nazi occupation as an example of how cycling can embody a subtle form of defiance against oppression. After recovering in Amsterdam, Seb is preparing to resume his travels, with his next major challenge being the Mediterranean Sea, known as one of the deadliest migration routes in the world. He plans to cross from Sicily to Greece by ferry, a journey laden with the tragic knowledge of thousands who have perished attempting the same passage. Seb’s social media presence has grown significantly, particularly as he incorporates political commentary and educational resources into his narrative, encouraging followers to engage with the systemic causes of displacement and migration. Throughout his travels, Seb has witnessed the harsh realities of conflict and displacement firsthand, such as hearing bombings in Beirut and engaging with activists and communities affected by censorship and repression in countries like Armenia and Turkmenistan. His route will take him through these regions as he seeks to amplify the voices of those living under difficult circumstances. Seb’s reflections culminate in a poignant reminder drawn from the poem ‘First They Came,’ underscoring the importance of solidarity and speaking out against injustice, especially for those fortunate enough to move freely across borders.