RIFKA ZIYARD
COLOMBO : In April 2018, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly declared 3 June of every year as World Bicycle Day. The fourth World Bicycle Day is being observed Thursday June 3.
World Bicycle Day draws attention to the benefits of using the bicycle — a simple, affordable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation. The UN Sustainable Transport Conference will take place from 14 to 16 October 2021 in Beijing, China and it will focus on the central role that sustainable transport plays in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change.
As per the general assembly resolution passed in 2018, the World Bicycle Day was identified to acknowledge the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the bicycle, which has been in use for two centuries, and the fact that it is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation. It further recognizes the synergy between the bicycle and the user which fosters creativity and social engagement and gives the user an immediate awareness of the local environment.
On this day, to spread awareness about the many benefits of cycling, the United Nations encourages member countries to develop a culture of cycling and organize initiative like national and local bike rides, while promoting pedestrian safety and cycling mobility.
The United Nations has set up a task force to identify and discuss whether bicycles can be a solution to the challenges of the post-COVID-19 green recovery, especially focusing on Europe. Many European countries experienced significant drop in pollution during the lockdown period. Whilst Europe is gradually lifting the lockdown, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) is mindful of the obligations for the transport sector to restart in a manner that is conducive to a more efficient, greener system.
Although in many parts of Sri Lanka, bicycles are commonly used to commute daily, in Colombo there has been constant effort over the last few years to promote a cycling culture mainly as an environment friendly and health initiative.
Colombo Times spoke to Hussain Sadique an entrepreneur, Group Directors of Hameedia and an active endurance cyclist who explained the benefits he has experienced through cycling “Cycling helps to be physically and mentally energized. It allows you to enjoy and explore the country, meet new people and in the process allows me to engage in various charitable activities as well”.
Tharick Razick, Director, Debug Group of Companies shared his thoughts on use of bicycles, “in the present context, cycling is generating popularity and has become a life style – promoting physical fitness and mental relaxation. Also, cycling is one of the most environmentally friendly way to travel and one can feel proud that they are not polluting the environment. Although certain steps are already taken, I feel more measures should be introduced to ensure safety of the riders”.
A senior executive working in a leading private bank and who wish to remain anonymous said “promoting cycling is the best possible solution for the high traffic in Colombo and to reduce the pollution. Although I would like to ride a bicycle to work, as a female it remains a challenge to cycle alone. But I do cycle with my children and it is a fun activity to do with your family. There are a lot of safety measures that need to be introduced and there has to be a shift in the attitude as well if you wish to encourage cycling in Colombo”.
