'World Bicycle Day': Let's Examine the Changing Roles of the Versatile Two-Wheeler

Guwahati, June 3. 2019:

The 'bicycle' is more than a mode of conveyance -- it is a unique socio-cultural symbol. From film heroes wooing their ladyloves while riding a cycle in the 70s and 80s, to becoming the current symbol of "cool" as a favorite of fitness fanatics, the bicycle has come a long way.

It was perhaps in recognition of the bicycle's changing roles, look, and significance, that the United Nations decided to observe May 3 as the official day of this simplest of machines and the 'World Bicycle Day' came into being.

It was in April 2018 that the United Nations General Assembly declared this day as International World Bicycle Day. The resolution for World Bicycle Day recognizes "the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the bicycle, which has been in use for two centuries, and that it is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation."

The movement to have a day set aside to celebrate the glories of the bicycle gained momentum when United States Professor Leszek Sibilski from led a grassroots campaign with his Sociology class to promote a UN Resolution for World Bicycle Day, eventually gaining the support of Turkmenistan and 56 other countries.

The bicycle has received much praise for finding use as an environment friendly mode of transportation when fuel-guzzling motor engines are creating traffic on the streets and holes in the Ozone layer. The 'World Bicycle Day' is also a day to discuss the health benefits of the two-wheeler, especially among those afflicted by Type-1 and Type-2 Diabetes.

The United Nations, meanwhile, has pointed out how the invention of the bicycle led to the upliftment of womenfolk. A tweet from the organization's official handle read: "For over 100 years, bicycles have helped advance women's rights by increasing their access to education, health care & sport."

Northeast Indians too are waking up to the usefulness of this versatile vehicle. In Assam's Guwahati city for instance, an organization called 'Pedal for a Change' is hosting a day-long event to commemorate this special day.

The activities will start with four bicycle rides from four places in the city. These rides will start at 6 am from Maligaon, Dighalipukhuri, Nehru Stadium and Chandmari. All these groups will ride across the city through different routes and will end at Shilpgram.

Siddhartha Bhattacharyya, Minister of Law and Order, Education and Guwahati Development Department, inaugurated the event.

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