The United Nations (UN)‘s World Bicycle Day is annually observed on 3rd June across the world to promote the benefits of cycling and raise awareness about the social, economic importance of bicycles, which contributes to a cleaner Environment.
- The day also celebrates the bicycle as a simple, affordable, reliable, clean, healthy, environmentally friendly and sustainable means of transport.
Objective:
World Bicycle Day is aimed at making people more active through simple activities, including cycling. The World Health Organization (WHO) also emphasises that cycling proves to be an effective way to achieve recommended activity levels.
Origin of Bicycle Day:
The idea for World Bicycle Day was first proposed by Professor Leszek Sibilski, a Polish-American social scientist working in the United States of America (USA).
- He began a grassroots campaign to get the UNs to recognise World Bicycle Day, and he eventually gained the support of Turkmenistan and 56 other countries that Co-sponsored the resolution.
- The World Cycling Alliance (WCA) and the European Cyclists Federation (ECF) welcomed this resolution adopted by the UNGA, and have campaigned for an UN designated World Bicycle Day since 2016.
Background:
i. In April 2018, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/72/272 during its 72nd Regular session and proclaimed 3rd June of every year as World Bicycle Day.
ii. The declaration was adopted by a consensus of 193 member states that encouraged them to include bicycles in regional, international, and subnational development programmes and policies.
iii. The first UN designated World Bicycle Day was observed on 3rd June 2018.
World Bicycle Day Logo:
i. The original UN Blue and White World Bicycle Day logo was designed by Isaac Feld and the animation was done by Professor John E. Swanson.
ii. This logo symbolises various types of bicyclists around the globe, accompanied by the hashtag #June3WorldBicycleDay underneath it.
Cycling and Sustainable development:
i. On 15th March 2022, the UNGA adopted the resolution A/RES/76/255 on integration of mainstream bicycling into public transportation systems for sustainable development.
ii. It emphasised that the bicycle is an instrument of sustainable transportation and conveys a positive message to foster sustainable consumption and production, and has a positive impact on climate.
iii. A document titled “Cycling Delivers on the Global Goals!” delivered by WCA and ECF to the UN in 2015, showed that cycling delivers directly on at least 12 of the 17 UNs Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Benefits of Cycling:
- Cycling is a cheaper way of transportation and it saves money.
- It has an intrinsic zero-emission value, hence it helps to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
- It leads to being aware of the local environment, promoting environmental awareness as well as sustainable consumption and production.
- It strengthens the muscles, improve physical fitness and flexibility and leads to a healthier life.
About United Nations (UN):
Founded in– 24 October 1945
Secretary-General– António Guterres
Headquarters– New York, the United States of America (USA)
