United Nations is all for promoting the use of bicycles around the world. The world celebrated its first official World Bicycle Day on 3rd June with bicycling events, speeches around the world. In the midst of hectic traffic and over dependency on motor vehicles, its a smart move by the UN.
The annual celebration is announced by the UN with the resolution adopted by a consensus of 193 member states. The use of bicycle not only will help in curbing air pollution, it will also promote a healthy lifestyle among masses. It has multiple benefits.
The announcement was made months ago. After the announcement on 12 April 2018, Bernhard Ensink, Secretary General of European Cyclists’ Federation said, “Cycling is a source for social, economic and environmental benefits – and it is bringing people together. WCA and ECF are extremely happy with this declaration. This UN declaration is an acknowledgement of the contribution of cycling to the Sustainable Development Goals”
The campaign was led by Professor Leszek Sibilski and eventually gained the support of 57 countries led by Turkmenistan. Now the day is marked and has its own logo depicting bicyclists riding around the globe with #June3WorldBicycleDay written at the bottom of it.
World Bicycle day was received enthusiastically all around the world. Rallys on bicycles were announced around major cities with #WorldBicycleDay trending on Twitter. People were encouraged to pedal their way to work, in case they were working on a Sunday. And if not, they can hop onto their bicycle and explore their city at a slower pace without missing the details
Why Limit it to Just One Day?
Bicycles have been around for nearly two centuries now. But in order to keep us more at ease, technologies keep providing us automated services. But is it really helping us? In a long-term look, not much.
Have you ever wondered how much time you work in front of your laptop and then take a cab or drive your own vehicle around without moving muscles that much? The physical exertion of the body keeps reducing. Well, of course, people are concerned about that, quite evident by the spurt in the gym business. But not many people aren’t highly resolved on that part.
But bicycling is a good hobby to incorporate in life. It will keep your extra kilos in check, keep you stress-free and make you fitter. Cycling builds muscle and burns calories at the same time. It also enhances your joints’ flexibility unlike weight-lifting and running which may hurt your joints.
And one thing it works wonders on is the environment. Bicycling is one way to reduce a significant amount of air pollution, especially in cities. Don’t burn fuel to travel small distances, burn your calories.
World Bicycle Day is an “…means of strengthening physical education, promoting tolerance, mutual understanding, and respect, and facilitating social inclusion and a culture of peace”.
So why limit it to just one day? Let’s make every day a bicycle day!