History of World Bicycle Day
The bicycle is perhaps one of the best inventions in the history of inventions after the invention of wheels. It has helped transport millions of people over centuries. Easy, hassle-free, and fun. It is perhaps one of the most practical and environmentally friendly means of transportation in this day and age. World Bicycle Day was launched by United Nations to promote the many benefits of bicycling. It is of vital importance and celebrated across the globe.
World Bicycle Day is also celebrated to raise awareness about physical health. It highlights all the effects of several diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and so on, and how people can overcome them by cycling regularly. Another reason why World Bicycle Day is celebrated is that in countries where most people can’t afford cars, it provides easy access to them.
World Bicycle Day has been observed since 1988. It was initially started by ILCP (International League of Conservation Photographers). They were keen on raising awareness about how important bicycles are for a better infrastructure around the world. Today, it is celebrated across 80 countries. Activities such as educational seminars, bike riding clubs, and art installations are done on 3rd June every year.
Benefits of Cycling
Health Benefits of Bicycling
There is a reason why bicycling regularly is encouraged by health care providers and gym trainers alike. It is an excellent choice of workout to add to your fitness regimen and a little goes a long way.
1. Cardiovascular Health
A review conducted by Medicina in 2019 concluded that cycling regularly improves your cardiovascular health. It equips your cardiovascular to provide enough oxygen to your muscles for healthy functioning.
However, you don’t necessarily have to keep pedaling for hours, just ten minutes would suffice.
2. Low-Impact Workout
Cycling is great if you want to get a light workout in. It is easy on your tendons, ligaments and on your joints. Apart, from it being gentle on your body, you decide the pace and intensity of the cycling.
3. Lower-body Strength
This comes as no surprise! Cycling helps strengthen your lower body. It positively impacts your quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes. If running was ever difficult for you, cycling for a few weeks can strengthen your leg muscles, making running or walking a lot easier. For more lower body workouts to do at home read here.
4. Prevents Diseases
Just like any other type of exercise, cycling regularly exponentially reduces your chances of getting certain diseases. A study conducted in 2017 reported that riding a bicycle to work lowers the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and improves mortality.
Another study conducted in 2016 on Danish adults concluded that recreational or commuter cycling was directly related to lowered risk of Diabetes Type 2.
5. Boosts Mental Health
Besides positively impacting physical health, cycling is also associated with improved mental health. When you cycle around town, you are getting the physical benefits of a workout and mental health boost by basking in the glory of nature and fresh air. If you want to know more about how exercise boosts your mental health read here
Environmental Benefits of Cycling
World Bicycle Day emphasizes the environmental benefits of riding a bicycle. Here is why :
Combat Global Warming
Cycling has long been associated with one of the solutions to global warming. It is a step towards a greener future for our planet. Many scientists report that cars and other public transportations that utilize fuel are one of the main contributors to global warming.
Cycling to commute lowers your carbon emissions because of the lack of CO2 unlike other means of transportation.
Reduces Air Pollution
Air pollution is gases and chemicals released in the air because of things like transportation, wildfires, and burning fossil fuels. Driving cars, buses, or any other motorized vehicles also contribute greatly to air pollution.
Cycling releases little CO2 and has a huge positive impact on our environment.
Boosts Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the variety of life, fauna, and flora on Earth. It is what breathes life into our planet. We need a lot of different types of plants and animals in our world because it is healthy for our ecosystem.
However, because of global warming, the weather is becoming unpredictable day by day and the temperature is getting warmer, endangering our biodiversity.
Cycling can directly help improve biodiversity because it generates little to no air and noise pollution. As fewer gases are emitted into the environment, the danger to the existence of wildlife is reduced.
Cycle Clubs In Dubai
Now that we are aware of why World Bicycle Day is celebrated, all the more reason for you to start cycling now, recreationally or as a commuter. If you reside in Dubai, the best way to start would be by joining the bicycle clubs. Here is a list of bicycle clubs you should consider joining.
Dubai Roadsters | Cycle Safe Dubai | The Cycle Hub | Revolutions Cycle Dubai
Key Takeaway
World Bicycle Day has been a great initiative and celebrates the versatility, durability, and uniqueness of a bicycle, a sustainable means of transportation. If you want to be in good physical shape, and have improved mental health while positively impacting your environment, bicycling is a great addition to your lifestyle.
