Baku, June 3, AZERTAC

World Bicycle Day is celebrated on 3 June every year.

The United Nations (UN) and World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2018 decided to declare 3 June World Bicycle Day. The day aims to draw attention to the benefits and sustainability of riding a bicycle. On 15 March 2022, the General Assembly adopted the resolution on integration of mainstream bicycling into public transportation systems for sustainable development. It emphasized 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.

The history of World Bicycle Day dates back to April 2018 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 3 June as the official day to celebrate the bicycle.

The initiative to establish World Bicycle Day was led by Turkmenistan, with the support of numerous other countries where Turkmenistan proposed the idea to acknowledge and promote the bicycle's role in achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

The declaration of World Bicycle Day was a testament to the recognition of the bicycle's versatility and positive impact on various aspects of society. It emphasized the need to promote cycling as a mode of transportation that can address pressing global issues such as climate change, air pollution, traffic congestion, and sedentary lifestyles.

World Bicycle Day tends to emphasise on 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, noted UN.

In order to celebrate World Bicycle Day, the General Assembly welcomed initiatives to organize bicycle rides at the national and local levels as a means of strengthening physical and mental health and well-being and developing a culture of cycling in society.