June 3 — World Bicycle Day: history and traditions of the holiday
With the onset of heat, Muscovites and residents of other cities switch from cars to bicycles, and in some countries it remains the main means of transportation all year round. Two-wheeled motorized transport allows not only to maintain good shape, but also promotes respect for the environment. Therefore, it is not surprising that a separate holiday has appeared in the world — World Bicycle Day, which is celebrated on June 3. Izvestia tells about the history and traditions of the international celebration.
World Bicycle Day in 2025: date, history of the holiday
World Bicycle Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2018. It was initiated by Polish sociologist and former cyclist Leszek Sibilski. The idea found support in wide circles and formed the basis of the resolution on the establishment of a new holiday. 56 States have become co-authors of the document.
The world organization's website notes that today the bicycle is becoming a sustainable mode of transport. Daily cycling can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and even some types of cancer. Consequently, people turn to doctors less, which makes healthcare services more accessible to vulnerable segments of the population. In addition, emissions of harmful substances are reduced, air quality is improved, and road safety is improved.
The advantages of this simple, affordable and eco-friendly mode of transport formed the basis of another resolution adopted by the General Assembly in the spring of 2022. It talks about the need to integrate bicycles into public transport systems in all Member States and foster a culture of cycling in society. It is emphasized that this is necessary in the interests of sustainable development, health protection and in the fight against climate change.
Traditions of World Bicycle Day
Every year on June 3, millions of people around the world leave their cars and go on business by bike. So, in Moscow and other cities on this day, the All-Russian campaign "To work by bike" is taking place. To encourage cycling enthusiasts, "energy points" are organized on the streets. There, participants can refresh themselves and receive gifts from the organizers — energy bars, drinking bottles, bicycle numbers, reflective bracelets and other bonuses.
Educational and sports events are held in parks, squares and other public places. Residents are told about the benefits of cycling and what contribution to the life of the city can be made by switching to this type of transport. Various competitions and bike rides are also timed to coincide with this date.
World Bicycle Day: interesting facts
The official date of the bicycle's invention is considered to be 1817, when German professor Baron Karl von Drez created a mock-up of a "running machine." The structure consisted of a wooden frame, a steering wheel and two wheels. The bike's predecessor didn't have pedals yet.
Soon, carriage manufacturers became interested in the invention and launched it into mass production.
In 1860, the model was improved in France by adding a saddle and pedals. Eight years later, the country hosted the world's first cycling race. The participants had to overcome 2 km of paving stones. And today France is a leader in cycling. Every summer, the largest multi-day cycling race, the Tour de France, takes place here, with a history dating back more than a hundred years.
In Russia, it is believed that the first bicycle was invented in 1800 by the Ural artisan Yefim Artamonov. According to historians, the craftsman made a wooden scooter bike and rode it from Nizhny Tagil to Moscow. The invention was named the Artamonov bicycle.
Earlier, Izvestia reported on the traditions of celebrating International Museum Day.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
