In this article, OurWorldGist’s regular writer, Sani Michael Omakoji ( SMO ), writes on the world bicycle day as Nigerians struggle for transport fare due to the removal of the age long scam call against Nigeria and Nigerians call” Fuel subsidy “.
Let us read what SMO has to say:
“Today being June 3rd is World Bicycle Day celebrated across the world purposely to promote the benefits of cycling and raise awareness about the importance of bicycles as a sustainable mode of transportation.
For the record, World Bicycle Day is an international observance recognized by the United Nations (UN).
From Wikipedia, June 3 was officially designated as World Bicycle Day by the United Nations General Assembly in April 2018.
The idea for World Bicycle Day was first proposed by Professor Leszek Sibilski, a Polish-American social scientist working in the United States.
He began a grassroots campaign to get the United Nations to recognise World Bicycle Day, and he eventually gained the support of Turkmenistan and 56 other countries.
The original UN Blue and White World Bicycle Day logo was designed by Isaac Feld and the animation was done by Professor John E. Swanson.
It shows various bicyclists riding around the globe that gives out the message that the bicycle belongs to and serves all of humanity.
World Bicycle Day is significant because WHO actively promotes cycling for its benefits to health and the environment.
Cycling is considered as a healthy activity that increases physical activity, reduces non-communicable diseases.
Riding a bicycle is now also associated for promoting healthy lifestyle for people who have Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
It also decreases air and noise pollution when it comes to the environment.
WHO recognises cycling as a means of achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
Post COVID-19 pandemic, in 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution “Integration of mainstream bicycling into public transportation systems for sustainable development.”
No matter how you choose to celebrate World Bicycle Day, make sure to have fun and enjoy the ride!
Here are some ideas on how to celebrate World Bicycle Day for Nigerians who are struggling with transportation fare at this time that federal government of Nigeria has removed the age long scam they call fuel subsidy:
1. Go for a bike ride: Find a scenic route and enjoy the fresh air and exercise. For those in Abuja, National Stadium Abuja is a place to enjoy bicycle ride.
2. Instead of paying heavily for transport fare, also use bicycle if you have to make some short trips.
3. Students and pupil can also use it to their schools as well especially if their schools are around the neighborhood.
Finally, Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with the state governments are hereby advised to construct bicycle tracks across the states of the federation plus federal capital Territory Abuja, as is done in other climes so that Nigerians to can enjoy bicycle ride to optimal level as recommended by World Health Organization”.
