World Bicycle Day

What Is World Bicycle Day?

June 3 is "World Bicycle Day," an international day officially established by UN General Assembly Resolution 72/272 on April 12, 2018. The idea began as a grassroots movement led by American sociology professor Leszek Sibilski, which gained support from 56 countries before being adopted unanimously by all 193 UN member states.

The UN describes the bicycle as "a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation" that has been in use for more than two centuries, and calls on the world to promote and make greater use of it.

Background and Purpose

As rapid urbanization and motorization continue around the world, rising greenhouse gas emissions, traffic congestion, and lifestyle diseases linked to lack of exercise have become serious problems. The bicycle is once again drawing global attention as a tool that can address all of these issues at once.

• Climate action: Bicycles emit no CO2 while in use. Even accounting for their full life cycle, from manufacturing to disposal, their environmental impact is roughly one-tenth or less that of a car.
• Health benefits: Regular cycling, such as commuting by bike, significantly reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
• Transportation for underserved communities: In developing countries and rural areas, bicycles are a vital means of accessing healthcare and education.
• Economic benefits: Bicycles are far cheaper to maintain than cars, helping support the economic independence of lower-income households.

The History of the Bicycle

• 1817: German Baron Karl von Drais invented the "Draisine," a pedal-less precursor to the bicycle propelled by pushing off the ground with one's feet.
• Around 1861: The pedal-equipped "velocipede" appeared in France and became popular in urban areas.
• 1885: Britain's John Kemp Starley invented the "Rover Safety Bicycle," the prototype for the modern bicycle.
• 1888: Scotland's John Boyd Dunlop developed practical pneumatic tires, dramatically improving ride comfort.
• Meiji era: The bicycle was introduced to Japan and became widely used for mail delivery and other services.
• Today: The spread of electric-assist bicycles and the expansion of bike-sharing services continue to broaden the range of people who use bicycles.

Bicycle Culture in Japan

Japan is one of the world's leading bicycle-using nations, with more than 70 million bicycles in use nationwide. Bicycles are deeply woven into daily life for commuting, school, and shopping. With well-developed bicycle parking around train stations and the spread of bike-sharing services such as Docomo Bike Share, bicycles have become an essential "last mile" mode of transportation in urban areas.

Ways to Enjoy World Bicycle Day

• Try cycling somewhere you'd normally drive or take the train — you might discover new scenery and surprises along the way.
• Look up cycling routes or green corridors near you and head out for a casual ride with family or friends.
• Perform some basic bike maintenance — checking tire pressure, oiling the chain, and testing the brakes — to keep your bike safe to ride.
• Try commuting by bike. It offers a triple benefit: better health, savings, and a smaller environmental footprint.