The seventh edition of World Bicycle Day at the World Bank in Washington, D.C. is a special event organized by staff who want to promote the uptake of cycling.
Bicycles were invented in the nineteenth century—the same century that gave us the typewriter, the telegraph, and the landline telephone. Unlike those inventions that fell by the wayside when more modern devices came along, the bicycle has stayed with us, essentially unchanged, for over 200 years. In fact, it has continued to win new fans, generation after generation.
The benefits of cycling are manifold. Not only does cycling cut transport emissions, but it also reduces the need for expensive roads and highways. And, unlike most forms of motorized transport, the bicycle promotes physical activity, social engagement, and a sense of freedom. It also gives the rider immediate awareness of—and connection to—the local environment.
Cycling is also a great equalizer. Bicycles are typically inexpensive and almost infinitely repairable, and no jurisdiction in the world requires a bicyclist’s license or imposes any other meaningful barrier to entry.
My love of bicycles, and my strident belief in the role they can play in improving mobility worldwide, led me to advocate for the establishment of a special day to celebrate and promote one of the most reliable and loyal human tools—a true mainstay of human mobility. On April 12, 2018, I proudly witnessed all member states of the UN General Assembly adopt a resolution to declare June 3rd as World Bicycle Day.
This year, I was delighted to celebrate the 7th edition of World Bicycle Day at the World Bank in Washington, D.C. at a special event organized by staff who want to promote the uptake of cycling as part of their professional mission.
Reflecting on the evolution of World Bicycle Day over the years—and the recent celebration at the World Bank—has reinforced a key point: Since cycling is here to stay and has enormous potential to improve people’s lives, we need to step up our collective investment in cycling infrastructure, particularly in low and middle-income countries.
In other words, beyond being a great mode of transport in its own right, cycling can also help people “stitch together” longer journeys or cover the proverbial “last mile” that separates them from bus stops, train systems, and other modes of sustainable transport. As such, cycling-enabled multi-modal trips can improve the functionality and efficiency of transit systems as a whole, making everyone’s journeys more pleasant.
The “on demand” nature of cycling—particularly through city-wide bike share programs—can also reduce the problem of double wait times. For example, hopping on a bike can eliminate the frustrating situation of waiting for a bus to take you to the train station, then having to wait again for the train to arrive (doubly frustrating when you watch the doors of the previous train shut in front of you as you race to get on).
An obvious benefit, then, of multi-modal traveling is its time-saving potential. However, I would argue that the real power of multi-modal travel is its variety. By cycling instead of walking, commuters can access a broader range of stations within the same amount of time, while also optimizing their journey to better suit their needs. This could include pedaling through a scenic neighborhood with cafes, grocery stores, parks, and, maybe, a few old friends along the route. In short, integrating cycling with public transport allows for more livable communities, and better choices for commuters.
The bicycle isn’t going anywhere, and deserves greater attention from global, national, and local transport planners and leaders. By embracing its potential and integrating it more fully into public transport networks, we can unlock substantial benefits for our environment, our health, and our communities. Dare I say: it could even set us free.
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