The Amazing Bicycle
According to the Global Bicycle Index Study of 2022, Utrecht, Netherlands ranks first among the most bike-friendly cities in the world. A simple and sustainable means of transportation, biking is celebrated for its health benefits and role in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. With these advantages in mind, many communities are striving to make their streets more safe and comfortable for cyclists.
Two Centuries of Bicycles
The bicycle has been in use for two centuries and has taken many forms, though the actual term bicycle was coined in France in the 1860s. Today there are around 1 billion bicycles worldwide, with electric and cargo bikes gaining popularity. Acknowledging the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the bicycle, the United Nations established June 3rd as World Bicycle Day.
The Beginnings of World Bicycle Day
Professor Leszek Sibilski, a polish scientist working in the United States, initiated a grassroots campaign with his sociology class to promote a U.N. resolution that would designate a day for the advocacy and celebration of the bicycle all over the world. In 2015, Sibilski dedicated himself to an academic project, exploring bicycles and their role in development. This project catapulted into a massive movement backed by ‘Sustainable Mobility for All,’ and on April 12, 2018, the resolution declaring June 3 as World Bicycle Day was unanimously adopted by all 193 member states of the UN General Assembly.
A Fitting Logo
The blue and white logo to commemorate World Bicycle Day was designed by Isaac Feld and shows cyclists of different age groups and genders cycling around the globe. The message of the logo is that the bicycle bridges the gap between people from different walks of life and serves all of humanity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), safe infrastructure for walking and cycling is a pathway for achieving greater health equity. For the most vulnerable populations, this environmentally-friendly transport system can also promote economic growth and reduce inequalities. World Bicycle Day draws attention to these benefits as well as the role of the bicycle in the issue of sustainability.
Take to the Streets
The City of Kenmore is fortunate to have a few major bicycle routes running through town, including the new continuous bike lanes on Juanita Drive and 68th Avenue from city limit to city limit. The new promenade on the recently constructed Sammamish River bridge includes a dedicated bike path with views of the lake and river. To celebrate World Bicycle Day you could ride your bike to work or spend time on a bike ride with a friend. Just remember the words of Albert Einstein, “Life is like riding a cycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
New Pedestrian/Cyclist Path and Sammamish River Bridge
The City of Kenmore is fortunate to have a few major bicycle routes running through town, including the new continuous bike lanes on Juanita Drive and 68th Avenue from city limit to city limit. The new promenade on the recently constructed Sammamish River bridge includes a dedicated bike path with views of the lake and river. To celebrate World Bicycle Day you could ride your bike to work or spend time on a bike ride with a friend. Just remember the words of Albert Einstein, “Life is like riding a cycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
