SURJIT SINGH FLORA
World Bicycle Day is observed globally on June 3rd each year, embraced by people from all corners of the globe. The aim is to enlighten individuals on the advantages of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preserving the environment through an exploration of the significance of bicycles. Cycling offers numerous advantages for one’s well-being. Maintaining a regular exercise routine promotes overall health and fitness. It fosters a sense of excitement and passion among individuals. This is the reason why the United Nations General Assembly initiated the celebration of ‘World Bicycle Day’ in 2018, with the aim of raising awareness. It is worth noting that this eco-friendly bicycle is closely linked to both human health and the environment. Unquestionably, the need for a clean and healthy body is the main cause of human disease and environmental pollution. Exercise riding is all about the bicycle itself. With the rise of motorized vehicles, there has been a decline in physical activity among individuals, along an increase in pollution. Cycling is highly beneficial for reducing obesity and maintaining a healthy weight. In today’s fast-paced world, everyone wants to reach their destination in the blink of an eye. So, we left bicycles and started using motorized vehicles. In earlier times, most people either walked or used bicycles. Due to this, they used to be physically active and they were physically fit. But as urbanization increased, the practice of cycling also declined significantly. Most people these days own car. People also use these vehicles to cover short distances. Excessive use of vehicles harms the environment as well as the health of people.
When we get sick in the cycle of living a busy and ostentatious life, doctors advise us to do bicycle exercise in the morning, then we spend money and ride a gym bike use Treadmill. Why don’t we ride a bicycle for at least one hour a day, even before the doctors say. On the roads, we would have seen many pilgrims who are fit in terms of health, even in their 80s.
Cycling is very beneficial for health. Cycling improves physical and mental health. Riding a bicycle for about half an hour every day protects us from many diseases like obesity, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and mental diseases.
Regular cycling also does not pollute the environment. Cycling also boosts immunity. Cycling for half an hour daily keeps the body fit and does not accumulate fat on the body. It also strengthens the digestive system. Cycling strengthens the heart and lungs. Regular cycling also keeps the mind healthy.
If we talk about the old times, even then, the bicycle was considered a very important tool, especially because it was the cheapest and easiest way of transportation for people. From farmers to students, everyone used these bicycles. For the poor or the rich, it was the main mode of transportation of commuting, with which they could easily go to work and school. In view of this disappearing cycle, the 3rd of June is celebrated as World Bicycle Day every year. The day spreads awareness about the important benefits of cycling. Educate people about the role of bicycles in health, environment, and economy. Many local bicycle clubs and groups organize bicycle rallies and trips on World Bicycle Day. These rallies motivate people to use bicycles. Special programs are organized to educate youths about the benefits of bicycles. Bicycle races and competitions are also conducted. Celebrating World Bicycle Day is not just a one-day event; it is also a long-term effort to inspire people to cycle. The designated theme for World Bicycle Day in 2024 is “Promoting Health, Equity, and Sustainability through Cycling.” Thus, let us contribute to this effort by riding for at least one or two hours every day in order to clean our environment and health.
(The writer is a veteran journalist and freelance writer based in Brampton).