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 campaign led by Leszek Sibilski, a Polish-born sociologist teaching in the United States, together with his students; it gained the support of Turkmenistan and 56 other countries before being adopted by the General Assembly.

The resolution recognizes the uniqueness, longevity, and versatility of the bicycle, which has been in use for two centuries, as a simple, affordable, reliable, clean, and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation, and calls on the world to 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, making them an environmentally friendly way to get around.
• Health benefits: Building cycling into daily travel is an easy way to get some exercise.
• Transportation for underserved communities: In developing countries and rural areas, bicycles are a vital means of accessing healthcare and education.
• Affordability: Bicycles cost far less to buy and maintain than cars, making them accessible to many people.

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.
• 1860s: The "velocipede," with pedals attached to the front wheel, appeared in France and became popular.
• 1885: Britain's John Kemp Starley invented the "Rover Safety Bicycle," the prototype for the modern bicycle.
• 1888: Scottish-born John Boyd Dunlop developed a practical pneumatic bicycle tire, greatly improving ride comfort.
• Meiji era: Bicycles began to spread in Japan and were eventually used for shop deliveries and more.
• 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 about 66 million bicycles owned nationwide according to a 2018 estimate by the Japan Bicycle Promotion Institute. 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, after checking your workplace's rules.