PURPOSE: The United Nations has declared June 3rd as World Bicycle Day, by adopting a resolution on April 12th 2018, during the 72nd Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly, in New York City. The aims of the day is to Encourage stakeholders to emphasize and advance the use of the bicycle as a means of fostering sustainable development, by strengthening education, including physical education for young people and promoting healthly lives by preventing the spread of diseases. The United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace was introduced by Kofi Annan in 2001. Its mandate was to coordinate the efforts undertaken by the United Nations in promoting sport in a systematic and coherent way as a means to contribute to the achievement of development and peace. Funded research demonstrates that a switch from motorised vehicles to cycling would help confront climate issues, while generating infrastructure savings of up to $25 trillion by 2050.
FORUM: "Developing a culture of cycling in society." World Bicycle Day 2024. The June 3rd celebration draws attention to 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 . Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #3june, #WorldbicycleDay, #bicycle,#cycling,#Cyclists, #Cyclism.
Events: Every May, NYC-based non-profit Transportation Alternatives organizes the TA Bike Month, a 100% free city-wide cycling (and micromobility) challenge. For the 2024 "Bike Month NYC"occasion , a joint United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and United Nations Peacekeeping team participated in the "Bike Month"NYC" challenge hosted by the United Nations Staff Mission, the United Nations Department of Management Strategy policy and compliance (DMPSC), the United Nations Department of Safety and Security. Collectively, DPPA-DPO staff logged over 3,600 miles - equivalent to New York to Paris.
The Union of Cyclists International (UCI) will host a several type of races and competition; Explore the UCI Calendar of events for the month of June!
This summer, we invite you to Join the cycling events of the 2024 Olympic Games (26 July to 11 August) and Paralympic Games (28 August to 8 September) in Paris (France). In keeping with its ambition to achieve gender parity, the UCI is pleased to confirm that for the first time in the history of the Olympic Games, all cycling competitions will have the same number of male and female athletes on the lists of participants.
On June 4th, from 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm; The League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly University (BFU) program will host a webinar entitled ‘Bicycle Friendly University 101 ‘‘ to provide the roadmap and technical assistance to create great campuses for cycling. Institutes of higher education that meet the standards set by the program earn recognition for their efforts to promote and provide a more bikeable campus for students, staff, and visitors. Explore the full list of events, seminars and workshop organized by the League of American Bicyclists!
PODCASTS: Given the environmental, health and socio-economic challenges being faced across the world, cycling can play a clear role in ensuring a more sustainable future. Whether it is tackling climate change, air pollution, urban congestion or obesity and physical apathy, cycling is a low cost, safe and socially positive activity that should be encouraged. Listen to the audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Celebrate the bicycle and highlight its role in creating more sustainable, healthy and inclusive societies. Promoting and nurturing everyday cycling. Get the campaign materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
THE BENEFITS: 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.
-The bicycle is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation;
- The bicycle can serve as a tool for development and as a means not just of transportation but also of access to education, health care and sport;
- The synergy between the bicycle and the user fosters creativity and social engagement and gives the user an immediate awareness of the local environment;
- The bicycle is a symbol of sustainable transportation and conveys a positive message to foster sustainable consumption and production, and has a positive impact on climate.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED!
PARTNESHIPS
The World Bicycle Day is co-organized by the United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSPD), the Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the WHO/PAHO, the WHO European Regional Office, the WHO-EMRO, the WHO-SEARO, the WHO Office for the Western Pacific Region and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
With the collaboration of Union Cycliste Internationale, the European Cyclists’ Federation, the World Cycling Alliance, the Healthy Streets, the African Bicyle Network, the USAID, the USACycling, the League of American Bicyclists, the AUScycling, the Bicycle Network, the Bicycling Australia, the Chinese Cycling Association, the Asian Cycling Confederation (CCA), the Russian Cycling Federation, the Cycling New Zealand and the New Zealand Amateur Cycling Association.
Promote awareness on the use of Bicycle.
Celebrate the power of the bike.
Act as a catalyst to inspire even greater mass participation, and get many more people using bikes as part of their everyday lives.
Acknowledge of the contribution of cycling to the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Push cycling as a tool for sustainable and inclusive development.
Encourage governments to devote particular attention to the bicycle in cross-cutting development strategies.
Include the bicycle in international, regional, national and subnational development policies and programmes.
• At the political level, Engage with policy makers to encourage countries and international organisations to adopt bike-friendly policies.
• Work with cities and regions that invest in elite cycling and everyday cycling activities.
• Connect with professional riders on cycling advocacy campaigns like Cycling for All.
• Support National Federations by sharing best practice and encourage their activities.