Cyclists from different points in North Carolina will converge on Raleigh this weekend to draw attention to climate change issues. Winston-Salem and Greensboro, will host rallies to support the cyclists during their journey.

Debra Demske is with the organization 350 Winston-Salem. She is working with Harvard Ayres, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology at Appalachian State University to coordinate Thursday’s event in Winston-Salem.

She says several guest speakers from local universities and environmental groups will talk about ways to improve environmental sustainability in the state.

“In addition to the speaking events, we are going to be participating in the Dear Duke campaign, where we will be allowing people to send different messages to Duke Energy. The company is going through some rate hike hearings, so we will give them a chance to voice their thoughts and concerns,” says Demske.

Demske added, “Basically, it will be an afternoon of information, meeting and learning about the different environmental groups in Winston-Salem and hopefully we will educate people who don't think much about climate change.”

The event in Winston-Salem begins at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 18 at the Old Winston Social Club.  The climate change rally in Greensboro will be held at Noon on Friday, April 19 in Center City Park.

Demske says the cyclists will ride in circles around the state capital building in Raleigh on Sunday, April 21 to take their message to lawmakers.