Finally!
Happy news for cyclists – a few weeks go in Brussels, the UN declared:
June 3rd is World Bicycle Day!
Previously, countries have independently self-initiated a day to celebrate the humble bicycle, but following a passionate and very well researched campaign lead by the World Cycling Alliance (WCA) and the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), on 12th April, 2018, at the 72nd Regular Session of the UN General Assembly, full consensus and support of the 193 UN member states was reached.
This is a great win for cycling, bicycles and riding worldwide.
Just in the nick of time – June 3rd is fast approaching!
I am actually surprised that it took so long for the UN to recognise the significant value and positive impacts that bicycles have in relation to progressing local and global economic, environmental, health and sustainability priorities. Especially considering some of the other ‘International Day of the …’ that have been officially recognised by the UN for a long time.
This means International World Bicycle Day can join the ranks in the global event calendar alongside other not to be missed dates like:
- Jan 7th – International Programmer’s Day
- April 18th – International Day for Monuments and Sites
- May 2nd – World Tuna Day
- June 16th – International Day of Family Remittances
- Sept 30th – World Translation Day
- Nov 21st – World Television Day
Yup – the bicycle is now up there with only the best!
How did it happen?
It took two and half years of persistent advocacy headed up by the WCA and the ECF and the production of a report detailing how amazing bicycles are.
Bike Europe reported that “We are extremely happy with this declaration,” said Dr Bernhard Ensink, Secretary General of the World Cycling Alliance (WCA) and the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) who campaigned for a UN-designated World Bicycle Day since 2016.
“Cycling is a source for social, economic and environmental benefits – and it is bringing people together. This UN declaration is an acknowledgement of the contribution of cycling to the sustainable development goals.”
Sustainability
WCA and ECF delivered a document to the UN in 2015 in which it is shown that cycling delivers directly on at least 12 of the 17 sustainable development goals, titled ‘Cycling Delivers on the Global Goals!’.
The declaration invites all Member States and relevant stakeholders to celebrate and promote awareness of the World Bicycle Day. The declaration encourages Member States to devote particular attention to the bicycle in cross-cutting development strategies and to include the bicycle in international, regional, national and subnational development policies and programs.
H.E. Ambassador, Aksoltan Ataeva, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, introduced the draft resolution, co-sponsored by 56 countries, to the General Assembly for the vote.
Cycling Delivers on the Global Goals
The Cycling Delivers on the Global Goals report is a very thoughtful, infromative and easy read.
It highlights main areas where bicycles contribute significantly to progressing Global Sustainable Development Goals.
Download a copy here: Cycling Delivers on the Global Goals
The European Cyclists Federation state that: the Global Goals, as stipulated in the preamble of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), seek to realize the human rights of all. Cycling is already delivering on these goals worldwide, and this is a good reason to invest more in cycling. Making transportation more sustainable is of critical importance for humanity and the planet.
Moreover, active mobility is a human right on all scales – including the right to cycle. Governments at all levels should provide safe access to public space, protect those that walk and cycle, and ensure – through mobility – equal participation in society.
Hooray!
Bicycles really do create change!
Viva la Bici!
Put this auspicious date in your diary.
Time to organise something awesome on two wheels for June 3rd to celebrate! See you there!!
All images: Cycling Delivers on the Global Goals Report (2016)