World Bicycle Day is an annual observance celebrated every year of 3rd June. The bicycle is a “symbol of sustainable transport and conveys a positive message to foster sustainable consumption and production, and has a positive impact on climate creating a positive impact on our environment.
German Inventor Karl von Drais is credited with developing the first bicycle. His machine, known as the “swiftwalker,” hit the road in 1817. Lance Armstrong is the most famous cyclist in the world.
World Bicycle Day
Professor Leszek Sibilski is considered as the founder of World Bicycle Day. He was a Polish social scientist working in the United States. The WorldBicycleDay logo was designed by Isaac Feld and the accompanying animation was done by Professor John E. Swanson. Sibilski was the first to led a campaign with his Sociology class to promote a UN Resolution for World Bicycle Day and subsequently with the support of Turkmenistan and 56 other countries, In April 2018, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 3 as World Bicycle Day.
Significance of World Bicycle Day
World Bicycle Day 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.
The bicycle is a simple, affordable, reliable and environment-friendly mode of transportation. It plays a significant role in reducing carbon emissions, combating climate change and improving air quality. Bicycles also contribute to physical fitness, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.
World Bicycle Day aims to raise awareness about the benefits of cycling and advocate for better infrastructure and policies that support cycling as a safe and accessible mode of transportation. It encourages individuals, communities, and governments to promote and embrace cycling as a solution to various societal challenges, including traffic congestion, pollution and sedentary lifestyles.
Benefits of Cycling
Cycling, also, when on a two-wheeled bicycle, called bicycling or biking, is the use of cycles for transport, recreation, exercise or sport.
it causes less strain and injuries than most other forms of exercise.
cycling uses all of the major muscle groups as you pedal resulting as a good and convenient mode of exercise.
Does not require high levels of physical skills as in other sports.
Cycling increases stamina, strength and aerobic fitness.
The health benefits of regular cycling include:
- increased cardiovascular fitness
- increased muscle strength and flexibility
- improved joint mobility
- decreased stress levels
- improved posture and coordination
- strengthened bones
- decreased body fat levels
- prevention or management of disease
- reduced anxiety and depression.
Cycling can improve both physical and mental health, and can reduce the chances of experiencing many health problems.
Cycling is a good way to control or reduce weight, as it raises your metabolic rate, builds muscle and burns body fat.
Research suggests we should be burning at least 8,400 kilojoules (about 2,000 calories) a week through exercise.
Regular cycling stimulates and improves our heart, lungs and circulation, reducing your risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Large-scale research in Finland found that people who cycled for more than 30 minutes per day had a 40 per cent lower risk of developing diabetes.
Mental health conditions such as depression, stress and anxiety can be reduced by regular cycling.
Cycling tournaments in the world
There are many events in the international calendar for cycling, and also significant events in national cycling competitions.
- Tour de France — the world’s most high profile bicycle race. It is held mainly in France for three weeks every July.
- UCI Cycling World Championships — a new major event for cycling, incopropating all the cycling world championships to be held at one location, to be held every four years (the first in 2023)
- World Track Championships — The UCI World Track Championships is held annually and comprise events for the various disciplines and distances in track cycling.
- World Road Championships — The UCI World Track Championships is held annually and consists of 12 events for elite, under-23 and junior cyclists.
- Olympic Games Cycling — cycling is a core Olympic sport, and has been contested at every summer Olympic Games since 1896.
- Commonwealth Games Cycling — cycling is one of the optional Commonwealth Games sports, though it has been on the program for every Commonwealth Games since 1934.
- Tour Down Under — a world class event held in South Australia, Australia. The event comprises six stages, and passes through beautiful beaches to classic vineyards, through the city of Adelaide and iconic South Australian regional towns.
Visit read4knowledge for more interesting articles.