Wolly Machmut Leads Mental‑Health “Mut‑Tour” Cycling Campaign in Germany

Six cyclists, riding three tandem bikes, traversed the town of Datteln as part of the Mut‑Tour, a nationwide initiative that aims to reduce stigma around depression and other mental‑health conditions. Organized by 60‑year‑old Wolly Machmut, an experiential educator from Datteln, the team covered more than 400 km in North‑West Germany, starting in Bonn and passing through Düsseldorf, Bochum and other cities before reaching Minden. Participants include Machmut and five others – Susanne Huber, Peter Kraus, Marcel Schmitz, Swantje Wurps and Wolfgang Will – who meet each evening to discuss their day and personal experiences with mental health.

The tour, which began in 2012 and is scheduled to conclude in Bremen after three and a half months, uses tandem cycling as a symbolic reminder that no one has to face mental‑illness alone. By displaying signs such as “Depression is no taboo,” the riders aim to spark conversations with passers‑by, dispel misconceptions and encourage openness about therapy and psychological support.