Since its establishment in 2018, World Bicycle Day has been marked annually on 3 June by advocates in many countries. Adopted through a UN General Assembly resolution spearheaded by the Government of Turkmenistan, World Bicycle Day recognizes "the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the bicycle… a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transport, fostering environmental stewardship and health." Proponents encourage the use of the bicycle as a means of eradicating poverty; furthering sustainable development; strengthening education, including physical education, for children and young people; promoting health; preventing disease; and facilitating social inclusion and a culture of peace.
More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed transport needs and behaviour, prompting many cities to rethink their transportation systems. As part of efforts to “build back better”, cycling is pitched as a healthy, green and economical transport alternative. A new UN General Assembly resolution adopted in 2022 on “Integration of mainstream bicycling into public transportation systems for sustainable development” reinforces these principles. Through this resolution, governments commit to promote the bicycle among all members of society, including people of all ages, urban and rural, and develop a culture of bicycling in society.
WHO actively promotes cycling for its myriad benefits to health and the environment, including increasing physical activity, reducing noncommunicable diseases such as cancer and diabetes, and decreasing air and noise pollution. Like governments worldwide, it also recognizes cycling as a facilitator of achievement of many Sustainable Development Goals, including those on education, energy, employment, cities and inequalities. The underlying premise is that in order to unleash the potential of cycling, roads must be safe. In line with World Bicycle Day, WHO has released a range of resources and materials to promote cycling, improve road safety and enhance the health and well-being of people and the places they live, work and play.
