Happy World Bicycle Day! This year, we celebrate the first annual World Bicycle Day. Just last year in April of 2018, the United Nations General Assembly declared the third day of June as a day to recognize “...the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the bicycle, which has been in use for two centuries, and that it is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit, sustainable means of transportation.”
World Bicycle Day is a day to celebrate something we often take for granted: The humble bicycle. With the help of a bicycle, we can take better care of the environment, our physical bodies and even spend time together. So how can you mark this momentous occasion? Here are a few ideas we put together for celebrating World Bicycle Day.
Ride a bike.
Of course, one simple way to celebrate World Bicycle Day is by...riding a bike. If you’re physically capable, take full advantage of the day by going out and riding your bike wherever you live. Even if you don’t own a bike, plenty of major cities have programs where you can rent a bike and ride it on an excursion before returning. Check in your area then plan out your bike trip around the community.
Go for a picnic.
While you’re on your bicycle adventure, don’t forget to pack a picnic for the road. Gather your friends and family together and take some food with you to enjoy. Then, you can all bike out into the country or a local park, take a break and enjoy a delicious picnic in the afternoon. With warm June weather, there’s nothing better than a trip in the sunshine, followed by a relaxing lunch outside in the shade.
Teach someone to ride.
If there’s someone in your life who doesn’t know how to ride a bike yet, then today is the perfect day to teach them! Whether it’s a little kid, or even an adult, use World Bicycle Day as an opportunity to teach them how to ride. Not only will they appreciate it, but it’s also a great bonding activity for you and any friends or family members in your life. And of course, then you can all go on bike rides together throughout the rest of the summer.
Donate a bicycle.
Today and every day, there are kids all around your neighborhood, community and city who would love to ride a bike, but don’t have the financial means to buy one. If you have a gently-used bicycle hung up in the garage that you haven’t used in awhile, consider donating it to a local nonprofit organization. This World Bicycle Day, you can make a genuine difference in the life of a child for the summer.
Give to a cause.
Even if you don’t have an old bicycle stored away, you can still find ways to give back and get involved. Check with family and children’s organizations near you to see what the biggest need is on World Bicycle Day. Then, consider donating your time, effort or talents to give back. No matter what you can give, you can have an impact on people in need around you. Do some digging and see where your help is most wanted.
World Bicycle Day might not have been around for very long, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less important. Today is an incredible opportunity to value the planet, your body and spend meaningful time with loved ones. If you want to celebrate, keep these tips in mind for the best World Bicycle Day ever.
