Cycling for a Greener Future

Dear Editor,

The transformative impact of the bicycle is frequently overlooked. The bicycle is often referred to as the “people’s nag.” The bicycle earned the nickname “the people’s nag” because it democratized transportation. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries it liberated the working class from relying on expensive horses known colloquially as “nags,” providing an affordable, lightweight, and accessible way for ordinary people to travel freely under their own power. The technology that ushered in the bicycle over two hundred years ago was hugely disruptive.  There are some who will argue that the advent of the bicycle is equivalent to that of artificial intelligence (AI) in today’s world.  The Englishman John Kemp Starley is generally credited with inventing the modern bicycle. In 1885 the 30-year-old inventor began experimenting in his Coventry workshop with a chain-driven bicycle featuring two much smaller wheels. After testing several prototypes, he came up with the Rover safety bicycle, a 45-pound machine that more or less resembles what today we think of as a bicycle. The advent of the bicycle touched virtually every aspect of life—art, music, literature, fashion. The bicycle has been in use for two centuries. It is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation, fostering environmental stewardship and health. World Bicycle Day is an international observance held every year on June 3rd. Established by the United Nations in 2018, the day recognizes the bicycle’s unique, sustainable, and affordable role in promoting public health, combating climate change, and improving access to education and economic growth. World Bicycle Day is significant given the day is used to promote tolerance, mutual understanding and respect and facilitate social inclusion and a culture of peace.

The United Nations (UN), states, regular physical activity of moderate intensity such as walking, cycling, or doing sports has significant benefits for health. At all ages, the benefits of being physically active outweigh potential harm, for example through accidents. Some physical activity is better than none. By becoming more active throughout the day in relatively simple ways, people can quite easily achieve the recommended activity levels.  According to the World Health Organization (WHO), safe infrastructure for walking and cycling is also a pathway for achieving greater health equity. For the poorest urban sector, who often cannot afford private vehicles, walking and cycling can provide a form of transport while reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, diabetes, and even death. Consequently, improved active transport is not only healthy; it is also equitable and cost-effective.  The theme for World Bicycle Day 2026 is “Cycling for a Greener Future”; with several global initiatives also recognizing the related focus area “Advancing Sustainable Mobility and Inclusive Transport”. Both campaigns highlight the bicycle as an eco-friendly, affordable solution to combat climate change and decongest urban spaces.

Cycling and Sustainable Development

Historically, bicycles have been associated with women’s liberation in the 19th century, facilitating mobility and autonomy in a society that restricted them.  World Bicycle Day draws attention to the benefits of using the bicycle, a simple, affordable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation. The bicycle contributes to cleaner air and less congestion and makes education, health care and other social services more accessible to the most vulnerable populations.  World Bicycle Day addresses the issue of sustainable transport system.  The day promotes economic growth, reduces inequalities while bolstering the fight against climate change that is vital to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.  On 15 March 2022, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution on integration of mainstream bicycling into public transportation systems for sustainable development. It emphasized that the bicycle is an instrument of sustainable transportation and conveys a positive message to foster sustainable consumption and production, and has a positive impact on climate.  The WHO states that more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed transport needs and behaviour, prompting many cities to rethink their transportation systems. As part of efforts to “build back better”, cycling is pitched as a healthy, green and economical transport alternative. A new UN General Assembly resolution adopted in 2022 on “Integration of mainstream bicycling into public transportation systems for sustainable development” reinforces these principles. Through this resolution, governments commit to promote the bicycle among all members of society, including people of all ages, urban and rural, and develop a culture of bicycling in society. 

Bicycle riding is inclusionary. Accordingly, adaptive bicycles ensure that those values are accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability. We call all to support the goals of World Bicycle Day in actionable ways such as choosing cycling over driving when possible to reduce emissions and promote personal health. We can also advocate for safe cycling infrastructure in our communities. As we observe World Bicycle Day, let us be reminded that the bicycle is more than a machine of movement. It is a symbol of unity that connects people, communities, our planet and progress.    

In the words of John F. Kennedy, nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bicycle.

Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues.

Yours truly

waykam@yahoo.com

@WayneCamo