The world responded to the UN’s World Bicycle Day declaration in full force, with celebrations and events being held from Minsk to Montreal.

Cycling communities came together in the four corners of the globe on June 3^rd to celebrate the very first World Bicycle Day.

The United Nation’s declaration called on its member states to celebrate and promote cycling, and to include it at all level levels of government policy.   In Brussels, ECF celebrated this landmark occasion by sharing photos of our bike rides that passed by the city’s main attractions, from the Grand Place to the European Commission.

ECF members around the world held their own festivities to mark the occasion.  

The Bicycle Advocacy Group Malta led a colorful group of cyclists under clear blue skies through the beautiful city of Mosta. Safer infrastructure for cyclists was the key message promoted during the day, with respects being paid outside the city’s Rotunda to cycling fatalities that have occurred on the island.

In less warmer climates, such as Germany, people were not deterred to join in the cycle ride organized by ADFC. 90,000 cyclists braved the summer rain and cycled through downtown Berlin, to demand cleaner air and bicycle-friendly cities.

Our members in Asia also got involved in the celebrations. In Delhi, the bike sharing scheme, Smartbike Mobility, organized an event, in association with with the New Delhi Municipal Council and the World Cycling Alliance. The crowds of cyclists were treated to an inspiring speech from the Vice-President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu, who declared ‘“Bicycling will greatly help in not only our being healthy but also our environment system to be healthy”. Read his full speech here.

Bike parades were a popular celebration of choice, with processions in Bangkok, organised by the Thailand Walking and Cycling Institute, and in Montreal by Vélo Quebec.

On a sunny winter’s day in Australia, the residents of Adelaide, both young and old, joined Bike SA to enjoy the city’s green spaces, and cycled between the urban parks in support of greater use of bicycles in the city.

Back in Europe, the Minsk Cycling Community took their two wheeled participants on an eight hour cycle ride along the 70 km green cycling ring that encircles the city, drawing attention to the need to preserve green areas in the city and the importance of developing bicycle infrastructure.

In Scandinavia, Foreningen Frie Fugle led its Danish participants along the UNESCO World Heritage Cycle Route 105, through the cobbled streets of Hillerød, with well-deserved stops for local beer and salami along the way