World Bicycle Day 2021: Know Why Bicycles Are Good For Our Planet, Health

Today is World Bicycle Day. Choosing to get around on a bicycle is good for our health and the planet. Experts believe, cycling has tremendous health benefits for all age groups. Bicycles have been in use for nearly two centuries. World Bicycle Dayreminds us of a number of reasons why cycling is the most sustainable means of transport. It is affordable, reliable, environment-friendly, healthy and relaxing. Due to the uniqueness and versatility of the bicycle, the UN General Assembly decided to declare June 3 as World Bicycle Day.

World Bicycle Day: 10 reasons why bicycles are good for our planet and health

1. Increased bicycle use means lower greenhouse gas emissions
2. Cycling contributes to mitigation of carbon dioxide emissions as it possesses an intrinsic zero-emission value.
3. Cycling helps awareness about the local environment and sustainable consumption and production.
4. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), "safe infrastructure for walking and cycling is also a pathway for achieving greater health equity".
5. Cycling leads to increased cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and flexibility, according to fitness experts.
6. It improves joint mobility and helps decrease stress levels.
7. Cycling is an age-old fun activity; truly exhilarating and liberating.
8. Amid the pandemic, when most of us have been forced to become couch potatoes, cycling is a great activity with family or friends if the local Covid guidelines allow.
9. Cycling in groups gives people more time to socialize, share thoughts and spend time together.
10. Cycling saves money. Bikes are free to ride and a stress-free mode of travel.

World Bicycle Day: Motivational quotes to share

• "Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike" - John F Kennedy
• "Ride as much or as little, as long or as short as you feel. But ride" - Eddy Merckx
• "When your legs scream stop and your lungs are bursting, that's when it starts. That's the hurt locker. Winners love it in there" - Chris McCormack
• "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving: - Albert Einstein
• "Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race: - HG Wells
• "Riding a bicycle is about getting back to basics. It's good for the waistline and it's good for the wallet, is what I'm saying" - Phil Keoghan
• "One of the most important days of my life was when I learned to ride a bicycle" - Michael Palin

Happy World Cycling Day!