New Delhi (NVI): We all remember the first bicycle gifted to us by parents or relatives in childhood. The simple bike must have been the most favorite thing that many of us might have memories of.
Like other inventions, the bicycle has also evolved over time and it has been in use for last two centuries. It evolved in the 19th century as several inventors came up with the idea of balancing oneself on two wheels and using the machine as a vehicle for transport.
In 1817, a German baron named Karl von Drais made the first major development when he created a steerable, two-wheeled contraption. Drais invented his Laufmaschine (German for “running machine”), which was called Draisine (English) or draisienne (French) by the press.
However, this wooden prototype didn’t include a chain, brakes or pedals. The riders had to propel the 50-pound frame forward by pushing off from the ground with their feet.
Since then, the bicycle has been used in different ways and shapes all across the world, for moving from point A to B as well as for fitness.
World Bicycle Day is observed on June 3 each year. It is celebrated to lay importance on the benefits of cycling. Bicycle riding is not only good for health but is also good for the environment.
This is the third anniversary of World Bicycle Day, which was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in April 2018. UN officials, diplomats, athletes, and advocates of the cycling community had spoken at the inaugural event in New York, sharing the numerous benefits of riding vehicles.
The main idea behind it is to recognise the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the bicycle, that affordable, simple, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transport, as per the UN.
World Bicycle Day is a global holiday that is meant to be enjoyed by all. On this day, various cycling events are organised in order to promote the culture of cycling in the society.
However, this year no such events will be conducted due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The United Nations encourages member states, to spread awareness about its many benefits and to develop a culture of cycling and organize initiatives like local bike rides, while promoting pedestrian safety and cycling mobility.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the bicycle fosters environmental stewardship and good health, providing a cost-effective form of transport while reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, diabetes and other health conditions.
In addition to this, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu took to Twitter to urge people to take up cycling, “On World Bicycle Day, I call upon people to promote the use of cycle as it is a simple, affordable and environment-friendly means of transportation.”
“There is a need to develop a culture of cycling in view of its beneficial impact on health & climate,” Naidu tweeted.
