International Days
World Bicycle Day
June 3rd 2024
On May 3rd we celebrate World Bicycle Day, established by the United Nations in order to encourage the use of bicycles by raising awareness about their social benefits. It’s an occasion to promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, addressing not only public opinion but also governments and companies: it’s fundamental that everyone recognizes the key role that the bicycle plays in enhancing people’s health and protecting the environment.
In fact, bicycles are a sustainable transport system that helps people maintain an active lifestyle without any effort. This system was used for decades before the introduction of cars, as it’s reliable and affordable since they are powered by human energy. This has represented an opportunity for poor people to get access to transport services.
Bicycles are helpful with improving circulation, strengthening muscles, and increasing cardiorespiratory endurance: hence this activity contributes to decrease the risk of diabetes, obesity, stroke and other diseases related to a sedentary lifestyle. Furthermore, choosing to use a bike is an ecological decision, as it limits carbon emissions, as well as offering an alternative solution for dealing with the traffic, contributing to improving urban mobility. Moreover, bicycles also positively impact mental health, by providing possibilities of social interactions and creating community spaces, boosting a sense of collaboration and sharing.
How can you celebrate this day? Companies can introduce incentives like appropriate parking or economic bonuses in order to encourage “bike to work” program for all the year, as well as services of bike sharing. Governments could enact measures to ensure safer sharing of the roads and as individuals we can share information and events, in addition to trying to use bicycles more.
By supporting these initiatives, we can all contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.
Sources:
https://www.un.org/en