In April 2018, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 3 as World Bicycle Day. The resolution for World Bicycle Day recognizes “the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the bicycle, which has been in use for two centuries, and that it is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transport.
World Bicycle Day is observed to encourage people to maintain their physical fitness and live a healthy lifestyle. Regular physical activity can aid in the prevention and management of a variety of ailments, including diabetes, heart disease, mental illness, arthritis, and others. You can reduce your risk of many ailments by cycling with a nutritional diet regularly. The United Nations established World Bicycle Day for many reasons. As basic as it is, the impact of the bicycle on society is quite transformative and even the poorest people get access to basic transport with the bicycle.
The official theme for World Bicycle Day 2025 is “Cycling for a Sustainable Future.” This theme emphasizes the role of bicycles in building healthier lifestyles, reducing carbon footprints, and supporting a cleaner planet. The campaign urges communities and governments to make cycling a safer, more accessible choice for all.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), safe infrastructure for walking and cycling is also a pathway for achieving greater health equity. For the poorest urban sector, who often cannot afford private vehicles, walking and cycling can provide a form of transport while reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, diabetes, and even death. Accordingly, improved active transport is not only healthy; it is also equitable and cost-effective.
World Bicycle Day draws attention to the benefits of using the bicycle – a simple, affordable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation. The bicycle contributes to cleaner air and less congestion and makes education, health care and other social services more accessible to the most vulnerable populations. A sustainable transport system that promotes economic growth, reduces inequalities while bolstering the fight against climate change is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. (Agencies)
Please read this also – Cycling for health, environment and economy, the write up by Purna N. Ranjitkar published in The Nepal Weekly on 2022 June 21 https://thenepalweekly.com/2022/06/21/11458/
