If one is asked about their most significant childhood memory, getting their first bicycle and learning how to ride would be on the top, as it is a memory that most of us have grown up cherishing.
And taking a cue from it is World Bicycle Day, which is celebrated on June 3 to celebrate and acknowledge the uniqueness, longevity, and versatility of the bicycle, which has been in use for two centuries. There is no denying that in the hustle and bustle of today's world, bicycling provides a simple, economical, environment-friendly, and sustainable means of transportation apart from helping maintain physical and mental health.
According to data on the worldometer website, it is estimated that there are more than a billion bicycles in the world, with nearly half of them in China.
According to research outfit Precedence Research, the global bicycle market size is projected to surpass around US$ 180 billion by 2030 and expand growth at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) (the rate of return that would be required for an investment to grow from its beginning balance to its ending balance, assuming the profits were reinvested at the end of each period of the investment’s life span) of 7.36% from 2022 to 2030.
The historical significance
Talking about the history behind this day, it all started when US-based Professor Leszek Sibilski initiated a grassroots campaign to promote a UN resolution that would designate a day for the advocacy and celebration of the bicycle globally. In 2015, Sibilski dedicated himself to an academic project on the issue, which gained momentum backed by Sustainable Mobility for All. Eventually, 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.
Bicycling and NZ
In NZ, bicycling is encouraged strongly to achieve the carbon zero aim. Transport Minister Michael Wood feels encouraged that cycling is now the fastest growing mode of transport in several cities and towns across NZ.
Talking to Indian Weekender, he says, "Whether it's to get you to work or school, or for recreation, cycling is an enjoyable, affordable and healthy way to travel. World Bicycle Day is a great reminder that cycling can be for everyone and can easily fit into people’s daily lives, for example, I’m known for occasionally cycling around in a suit. It’s encouraging to see that cycling is now the fastest growing mode of transport in several cities and towns across NZ. It helps us as a nation move a step closer to achieving carbon zero and towards living healthier lives.”
He further elaborated that the government is taking climate change seriously by making the NZ transport network more sustainable and supporting people to transition to low emissions forms of transport. Wood says, “Building off our record investments in public transport and walking and cycling improvements, Budget ‘22 provided an additional $350 million to support Kiwis make cleaner transport choices. Through this investment, we can fund the rapid roll-out of at least an additional 100 km of safe urban cycleways to continue to build more connected networks at pace; create significant safety improvements in around 25 pedestrian areas, and support safer, greener, and healthier travel to 75-100 schools.”
Auckland Transport’s Manager of Active Modes Planning, Courtney Groundwater, feels it’s heartening to see an increase in people choosing options that aren’t just healthier at a personal level, they’re also healthier for Tamaki Makaurau.“We've seen research that shows an increase in the number of people cycling (now up to 28 percent), and nearly two thirds (62 percent) of Aucklanders agree that developments in cycling infrastructure are changing Auckland for the better. One in two Aucklanders is interested in Auckland Transport's 'Learn to ride' education and events for improving bike skills (for both adults and children).” Says Groundwater.
Cycling advocates, too, feel bicycling is on the up as more and more people discover the fun and freedom of two wheels.
"Riding a bike is a magic feeling of joy, whether you are 8 or 80. That's why we're celebrating World Bicycle Day on Friday, June 3," says Patrick Morgan, a spokesman for Cycling Action Network, a national cycling advocacy group.
There will be a Cargobike Parade in Wellington before school, where kids and parents will parade through Newtown to school and daycare.
"After dark, we'll gather for a Bike Rave through the city streets, filled with music, lights and a festival mood. It's a party on wheels," says Patrick.
Mr Morgan says with high fuel prices and the need to clean up carbon, cycling is an attractive option for many, but more bike lanes are needed.
"The car isn't going away any time soon, and it's good to see cities building bike lanes and cycle trails so more people can get around easily," he signs off.
ISSUE
Leave a Comment