World bicycle Day

2023-05-29 16:19:52

The celebration of World Bicycle Day on June 3 highlights the benefits of this means of transport: simplicity, accessibility, cleanliness and environmental sustainability. Its use contributes to cleaner air, reduces pollution and facilitates access to social services such as education and health care, especially for vulnerable communities.

June 3 was designated as the World bicycle Day by the United Nations in the resolution April 16, 2018 This celebration seeks promote the use of the bicycle for its multiple benefits: sustainable, ecological, clean and affordable transport, which contributes to health and does not affect the environment. In addition, the bicycle is considered a development tool that facilitates access to basic services such as education, health and sports, as well as a means to encourage creativity and social participation. The UN encourages Member States to participate in this day by implementing development policies, improving road and pedestrian safety, promoting bicycle mobility and organizing cycling marches. Promoting a sustainable transport system is crucial to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030since it promotes economic growth, reduces inequalities and strengthens the fight against climate change.

A double celebration and a curious story

It is curious to point out that, although the official date is June 3, traditionally this event was celebrated on April 19 due to a curious story attributed to the accidental discoverer of LSD, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann. The Swiss accidentally consumed this substance while he was handling it, thus discovering its powerful effects. Three days later, on April 19, 1943, he deliberately took it again to reaffirm its effects. Seeing that he had his perception and senses altered, he asked an assistant to accompany him home, and they did so by bicycle due to the restrictions on the use of vehicles imposed by the war.

Thus, Currently we have two Bicycle Days, on April 19 and June 3. In the main cities of the world, bicycle marches are organized to commemorate this date and increase the visibility of this means of transport that has more and more followers. Cyclists share photos on social networks and various institutional organizations carry out campaigns to promote their use and raise awareness about their benefits. In this way, a global movement is generated in support of the bicycle.

The use of the bicycle benefits health and environmental sustainability

The use of the bicycle provides benefits for health, the environment, the economy, mobility, the community and the quality of life in general. It is a sustainable and healthy alternative that promotes an active and conscious lifestyle. Using the bicycle as a means of transport entails a wide range of benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Cycling is an effective form of exercise that improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and helps maintain a healthy weight. Also, regular cycling reduces stress and improves mood.
• Sustainability and environment: The bicycle is an ecological means of transport that does not produce polluting emissions or contribute to global warming. Its use reduces the carbon footprint and helps preserve the environment.
• economic savings: Using the bicycle as a means of transportation saves money on fuel, parking, and vehicle maintenance. It is a cheaper and more accessible option for traveling short distances or in congested urban areas.
• Mobility and accessibility: The bicycle allows greater flexibility and agility in traffic, avoiding traffic jams and reducing travel times. It also facilitates access to areas with more traffic in large cities or difficult access for other means of transport.
• Social benefits: Cycling promotes social interaction and a sense of community. Shared routes and cycle paths encourage coexistence and respect between cyclists, pedestrians and drivers.
• Improvement of the urban environment: Encouraging the use of bicycles helps reduce traffic levels, reduces noise and improves air quality in cities. This contributes to creating more pleasant and livable urban environments.

An invention with more than 200 years of history

The history of the bicycle spans several periods and significant changes in its design and popularity. The first bicycle is believed to have been invented by Baron Karl von Drais in Germany in 1817, called running machine the “walking machine”. Over the years, improvements were made to the design, such as the addition of pedals and cranks on the front wheel, which allowed for greater propulsion efficiency.

In the 1860s, Pierre Michaux developed a two-wheeled bicycle with pedals and cranks, which became a commercial success. However, these early bikes were cumbersome and heavy. During this period, tricycles and quadricycles were also experimented with.

In the 1880sthe bicycle with a large front wheel became popular, known as “penny-farthing“. Although it allowed higher speeds, its design was dangerous and difficult to ride. Later, the “safety bicycle” with two wheels of the same size, linked pedals and chain drive was introduced, which laid the foundation of bicycle design current. This time also it marked a change in the role of women in society, as bicycles became symbols of freedom and mobility for women.

In the 1920s to 1950s, the popularity of the bicycle waned in the West due to the rise of the automobile. However, in China, the bicycle became the main means of urban transportation after the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.

Starting in the 1960s, there was a revival of the bicycle, fueled by an increase in awareness of keeping fit.. The bicycle experienced a boom in popularity and new styles were introduced, such as the BMX bike and the mountain bike. The mountain bike in particular became a cultural and sporting phenomenon.

Currently, many cities promote the use of the bicycle as a sustainable option for urban mobility. Specific infrastructures for bicycles have been created and more and more people are choosing this ecological and economical means of transport. Besides, a cycling culture called hipsterwhich has influenced fashion and led brands to design stylish and practical clothing for urban cyclists. In cities like Amsterdam, New York, and London, bike-sharing programs make it easy to access this mode of transportation, providing a simple and affordable way to avoid traffic and comfortably reach different destinations.

The history of the bicycle traces its evolution from the earliest inventions in the 19th century to becoming a popular means of transportation and recreational activity in the 20th century. It has undergone changes in its design and has played an important role in society, influencing mobility, fashion and women’s liberation.