WHY HAVE A WORLD BICYCLE DAY?
More than 50 percent of the world’s population knows how to ride a bike, and it’s estimated that there are more than two billion bikes in use around the world; a number expected to increase 150 percent in the next few decades.
At this precise moment, all around the world, millions of people are riding bicycles. They’re riding in cities and riding in rural areas. They’re riding in good weather, and they’re riding in bad weather. They’re running errands, commuting, riding with friends, or simply enjoying being outside.
All around the world, near and far, separated by oceans and continents, but joined together by two wheels, bike riders are experiencing the utility and freedom their machines offer.
First observed in 2018, World Bicycle Day is a United Nations (UN) international day celebrating and promoting bicycle use around the world. It is held annually on June 3.
The Turkmenistan Permanent Mission to the United Nations introduced the draft resolution for World Bicycle Day to the 72nd Regular Session of the UN General Assembly. The resolution, co-sponsored by 56 countries, was signed by all 193 member states of the UN and encourages governments around the world to:
- include the bicycle in development strategies, policies and programs
- improve road safety, planning and design
- promote pedestrian safety and cycling mobility
- advance bicycle use as a means of strengthening education for children and young people and promoting health and disease prevention
- develop a culture of cycling in society