European Bicycle Day is celebrated on June 3 for the love of cycling and its centuries-long association with the Europeans. Inexpensive, sustainable, and climate-friendly, there’s a lot that speaks to the merits of the humble bicycle. This exciting day is marked by peddlers across Germany, as they take their bikes out for a joy ride and encourage bystanders to join in the fun. Organized in the footsteps of World Bicycle Day, it is a fitting tribute to cycling as the ideal means of transportation.
History of European Bicycle Day
European Bicycle Day is celebrated in several countries across the continent, but the main event takes place in Germany. The day is inspired by the United Nations initiative on cycling and has been observed since 2018. Several cities across the country will participate in the event while the people give pro-cycling demonstrations.
European Bicycle Day is proudly supported by the European Cycling Federation. As all major countries of Europe warm up to the idea of ditching cars for a jolly ride of their own, the day marks the beginning of the global initiative in support of cycling. Cycling meets 12 of the 17 goals of sustainable development. Like its two wheels, it works in tandem with our quest to mitigate the impact of climate change.
European Bicycle Day acknowledges the versatility of the bicycle. Being one of the most important inventions of the 19th century, bicycles have stood the test of time and continue to gain popularity across all generations. A motion development tool for a toddler and the final stretch of exercise for an aging adult, cycling is a friend to people of all ages. Throughout Europe, the day is used to encourage stakeholders to share their positive experiences after adapting to the pedal lifestyle. The day also acknowledges that although personal pledges are a good start, they’re not enough. To make a significant impact on limiting motorized vehicles on the streets, we need the government to make cycling desirable through economic and social standards.
European Bicycle Day timeline
The first means of transportation that uses two wheels is invented in Germany by Karl von Drais.
A biker race is held in the Park of Saint-Cloud in Paris.
The bicycle craze takes over the world and a series of refined cycles are made available to the public.
The United Nations declares June 3 as World Bicycle Day after three years of campaigning by U.S.-based Professor Leszek Sibilski.
European Bicycle Day FAQs
What is the theme of World Bicycle Day 2022?
World Bicycle Day 2022 acknowledges the 200-year-old history of bicycles. It appreciates the diversity, uniqueness, and longevity of man’s oldest personal transportation.
How many calories does cycling burn?
Riding a bike at a moderate pace can burn up to 300 calories in an hour.
Why is it more difficult for adults to learn how to ride a bike?
It is more difficult because the average adult is too cautious. Just like with learning how to swim, children aren’t aware of the dangers and are always up for exploring new territories.
European Bicycle Day Activities
Cheer the bicyclers
European Bicycle Day is the day to cheer on the riders as they cycle around the city. As several cities across Germany hold rallies in support of the transition to cycling, you, too, can join the party from your living room, or better yet, join them by taking a spin around the block with your bike.
Organize your own event
Bring your community together to celebrate the day by organizing your own event. Encourage your fellow town dwellers to ditch the car for the day, and build a grassroots campaign in support of your city’s very own Bicycle Day.
Make your city bicycle-friendly
The pivot to bicycles is hard unless your city’s infrastructure supports the move. On June 3, write a letter to your local municipal leaders to build cycling-friendly lanes and urge your national leaders to incentivize cycling through cycle-to-work schemes and premiums.
5 Amazing Benefits Of Riding A Bicycle Every Day
A party for your body
Cycling is one of the most impactful forms of exercise as it uses every major muscle group.
It’s an aerobic workout
Cycling burns calories by increasing your heart rate and builds up body stamina.
The time efficiency is a huge plus
Cycling saves time by freeing you up from traffic and the schedule of public transportation.
It improves joint mobility
Cycling limits the stress on bones and its dynamic impact on our joints helps to lubricate them.
It reduces the chances of cancer
Research shows that regular cycling can reduce the chances of colon and breast cancer.
Why We Love European Bicycle Day
It goes back centuries
The European’s love for the paddled bike isn’t a new phenomenon. For millions of people across the land, cycling has been the sole means of transportation for centuries. In Denmark, 16% of all trips are completed on a bicycle. Their love for exercise, and the sustainability of cycling, is what makes it an attractive alternative across Europe.
The decade of cycling is upon us
Europe is transitioning to accommodate bicycles as one of the primary modes of transportation. In countries like Ireland and the Netherlands, budgets are being allocated to build infrastructure that supports it. As the continent hums in unison about adopting these changes, countries like France are leading the charge with the announcement of €2,500 premiums for e-bike purchases.
It’s the need of the hour
European Bicycle Day promotes the joy and rewards of cycling and illustrates the very important point that our fight against climate change cannot be waged without replacing fossil fuels. Unless we become a part of the solution, we do not stand a chance against climate change.
European Bicycle Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | June 3 | Tuesday |
2026 | June 3 | Wednesday |
2027 | June 3 | Thursday |
2028 | June 3 | Saturday |
2029 | June 3 | Sunday |