World Bicycle Day commemorates the joys of riding a bicycle, which is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally friendly means of transportation.
The bicycle is also a symbol of sustainable transportation and conveys a positive message to foster sustainable consumption and production, and has a positive impact on one’s health and the climate. 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.
On World Bicycle Day, countries and communities are encouraged to:
- Devote attention to the bicycle in cross-cutting development strategies and to include the bicycle in international, regional, national and subnational development policies and programmes
- Advance the use of the bicycle as a means of fostering sustainable development, strengthening education, including physical education for children and young people, promoting health, preventing disease, promoting tolerance, mutual understanding and respect and facilitating social inclusion and a culture of peace
- Adopt best practices and means to promote the bicycle among all members of society, and welcome 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