World Bicycle Day: Why this simple vehicle is beneficial even in modern world

The mobility needs of people who walk and cycle, often the majority of citizens in a city, continue to be overlooked, even though the benefits of investing in pedestrians and cyclists can save lives, help protect the environment and support poverty reduction according to Share the Road Programme Annual Report 2018.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), safe infrastructure for walking and cycling is also a pathway for achieving greater health equity. For the poorest urban sector who often cannot afford private vehicles, walking and 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.

Monday is #WorldBicycleDay. Cycling promotes #cleanenergy & #wellness. As affordable & sustainable means of transport, bikes are tool for #sustdev & equality. How does cycling contribute to your #SDGs? https://t.co/0vEcGAteO0Art by @danielkondo for Companhia das Letrinhas pic.twitter.com/dU8v6k8TIc

— UN Development (@UNDP) June 2, 2019

Why bicycle is important?

• 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

This year, UN is putting special emphasis on promoting women's rights on bicycle day.

For over 100 years, bicycles have helped advance women's rights by increasing their access to education, health care & sport. More on Monday's #WorldBicycleDay. https://t.co/HlyB87jEGB pic.twitter.com/27PZcht2jI

— United Nations (@UN) June 3, 2019

Happy #WorldBicycleDay!Meet Farzana, a young woman who is part of a cultural group in #Kabul. She organized a women’s 🚴‍♀️ tournament so that women have the right to cycle. Read more: https://t.co/zpl83MAEKj #SDGs #GenderEquality v @UNDPaf pic.twitter.com/fAdf2QmEl6

— UN Women Afghanistan (@unwomenafghan) June 3, 2019