World Bicycle Day is an annual event celebrated on June 3rd. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018 to recognize the bicycle as a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transport. The selection of this date is significant as it commemorates the anniversary of the invention of the bicycle by Karl von Drais in 1817. The United Nations General Assembly officially designated this day in April 2018 to honor the bicycle’s exceptional qualities, durability, and versatility, considering it has been utilized as a practical mode of transport for over two centuries. The UN recognized the bicycle as a straightforward, cost-effective, dependable, eco-friendly, and sustainable means of transportation.

World Bicycle Day: Theme

The theme for this year’s World Bicycle Day is “Riding Together for a Sustainable Future.”

some of the key significance of World Bicycle Day:

To raise awareness of the benefits of cycling. Cycling is a healthy, sustainable and affordable form of transportation. It can help to improve physical fitness, reduce air pollution and traffic congestion, and promote social inclusion.

To advocate for better infrastructure for cyclists. Many cities and towns are not designed with cyclists in mind. This can make it dangerous and difficult to ride a bike. World Bicycle Day is a chance to call for better bike lanes, paths and other infrastructure that make it safer and easier to get around by bike.

To promote cycling as a way to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The Sustainable Development Goals are a set of 17 goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015. Cycling can help to achieve many of these goals, such as reducing poverty, improving health, and promoting sustainable development.

World Bicycle Day- History

World Bicycle Day was first marked on June 3, 2018, when the United Nations first adopted a resolution during the 72nd Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City in April. The declaration was adopted by more than 193 member states that encouraged them to include bicycles in regional, international, and subnational development programmes and policies.

Acknowledging 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 transportation, fostering environmental stewardship and health, the General Assembly decided to declare 3 June World Bicycle Day.