World Bicycle Day

World Bicycle Day is celebrated annually on June 3 all over the world to raise awareness about the health benefits of cycling. Not only can bicycles be used as a sustainable and environmentally friendly means of transportation, but cycling regularly can also lower the risks of heart attacks, strokes, depression, arthritis, diabetes, obesity and much more. World Bicycle Day attempts to encourage people to cycle regularly to lead a healthier life.

This day was first celebrated in 2018 by the United Nations after being decided upon in the UN General Assembly in April, 2018. A Polish-American social scientist named Leszek Sibilski, was the first person to come up with the idea of celebrating World Bicycle Day. He started a local movement to get the United Nations to observe World Bicycle Day. Eventually, the movement grew big by getting the support of 57 countries. 

The world’s first bicycle was created by a German inventor named Karl von Drais, in 1817. There were many names given to this invention, such as “running machine” and “hobby-horse”. It was not until the 1960s that cycles became a common sight in the towns and villages of India, after being introduced by the British.

World Bicycle Day encourages people, both young and old, to participate in this simple form of exercise. The UN believes that cycling regularly can help to develop and strengthen a society mentally and well as physically. The theme for World Bicycle Day 2023 is “Riding Together for a Sustainable Future”.