Dozens of Tibetans and supporters of the Tibetan cause yesterday began a motorcycle ride across the nation, as part of a global campaign to raise public awareness of the Tibetan issue and to celebrate Tibetan Democracy Day.

After congregating in front of Longshan Temple in Taipei, dozens of Tibetans and their Taiwanese supporters marched from the temple along Tibet Road to Liberty Square, where the eight cross-island riders were given a freedom torch and khatas — traditional Tibetan scarves made of silk presented to show hospitality or respect — Tibet Religious Foundation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama chairman Dawa Tsering, who is the de facto ambassador of the Tibetan government-in-exile in to Taiwan.