Cyclist to Ride 1,500 km for Polish Red Cross

4 September 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Janusz Kobyłka will ride 1,500 km in the ‘Kilometers of Good’ campaign to raise awareness for the Polish Red Cross.

Janusz Kobyłka will cycle roughly 1,500 kilometres to promote the Polish Red Cross. The ride is called “Kilometers of Good” and it starts on Monday, 7 September 2026, in Międzyzdroje.

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Kilometers of Good: route and purpose

Kobyłka plans to travel across northern, central and eastern Poland. Moreover, his route includes Międzyzdroje, Płoty, Kalisz Pomorski, Szczecinek and Sępólno Krajeńskie. In addition, he will pass Grudziądz, Iława, Nidzica, Kolno and Łomża. Furthermore, the schedule covers Wysokie Mazowieckie, Sokołów Podlaski and Międzyrzec Podlaski. However, the ride will not end on a fixed date. Consequently, local invitations may change his daily plan. The journey aims to combine sport with social outreach. Therefore, meetings and conversations matter as much as distance.

Why the ride matters to communities

The campaign highlights volunteering, first aid and blood donation. Moreover, the Polish Red Cross (PCK) helps people in crisis, lonely seniors and socially excluded citizens. In addition, PCK provides training in first aid that can save lives. Communities may not know how to start volunteering. Therefore, a visible ride makes the organization accessible. Kobyłka has already logged roughly 5,500 kilometres for PCK. Consequently, he brings credibility and real stories to village halls and school gyms. He reports messages from people who donated blood after meeting him. Moreover, those messages motivate him to ride more.

How expats can relate and get involved

For foreigners living in Poland, the campaign offers practical entry points to help. First, you can attend a local meeting and ask about volunteer roles. Second, you can learn first aid through PCK courses. Third, you can donate blood if you meet medical criteria. However, note that some health and legal procedures differ from other countries. For example, ZUS (social insurance institution) handles pensions and some benefits. In addition, NFZ (national health fund) covers public healthcare access. Also, PESEL (national ID number) helps access many services. Finally, remember that a traffic ticket in Poland often appears as a mandat (fine) and you should address it promptly.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you meet Janusz during his ride, bring ID and ask about local PCK chapters. Moreover, PCK runs first aid courses and volunteer programmes in many towns. For bureaucratic context, ZUS is the social insurer, NFZ funds public healthcare, PESEL is the national ID number, and a mandat means a fine. In addition, blood donation rules mirror EU standards, but you should check eligibility before you go.

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