The non-profit organisation European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) has launched an online campaign to celebrate World Bicycle Day today.
Celebrated on 3 June, World Bicycle Day is a UN-declared day that aims to highlight the benefits of using a bike.
The ECF is asking people to use its customisable template to upload their cycling photos, and share it on social media with the hashtag #WorldBicycleDay2024.
“World Bicycle Day is a celebration of the joy, freedom, and global connection that cycling brings. With our campaign, we aim to draw attention to this UN-declared day that celebrates cycling as a simple, affordable, clean, and green means of transportation,” ECF CEO Jill Warren told Zag Daily.
“Our customisable templates are designed to encourage people to join the celebration by sharing their own cycling photos and stories. We hope to inspire people globally to spread the joy of cycling and offer a way for the cycling community to connect online on this special day.”
The ECF is a single umbrella organisation made up of 65 member organisations across 40 countries. It advocates cycling for both transport and leisure and aims to unite the European cycling movement into a single voice.
While cycling is often credited for its sustainable impact, it’s just as much about “human connection” and “the simple pleasure of riding a bike,” Jill said.
“Beyond its environmental, economic, and health benefits, cycling fosters a sense of community and can be a source of personal and communal empowerment and happiness. It’s important to celebrate that aspect of cycling as well.”
The European Commission also marks the day online by citing the European Declaration on Cycling – one of the most ambitious EU-level policy initiatives on cycling which was signed earlier this year.
In the past, ECF hosted webinars to celebrate World Bicycle Day. This year its focus lies on its campaign, with the day falling just weeks before its flagship Velo-city annual cycling summit that will see 1,500 participants gather in Ghent from 18 – 21 June.
