Today, April 19, is International Bicycle Day. Although this is not an official date set by the United Nations (UN), it is globally important to defend the rights of cyclists and promote sustainable transport. According to www.citiesporlabicicleta.orgThe day is used to urge institutions to offer eco-friendly alternatives to the transport network based on non-renewable fuels.
The Muévete #PorElClima campaign, strategically supported by BH, Ziklo Team and Transport&Environment, pursues the same objective: to promote this ecological, economic and healthy means of transport. The initiative allows access to a collective purchase of electric and conventional bicycles with a significant discount, all through the website www.porelclima.es/muevete-en-bici, remaining active for a few months.
The bicycle and sustainable mobility
The environmental impact of transport is evident in any city in the world. A 5 km journey by bicycle, compared to the same journey by car, can avoid the emission of up to 38 kilograms of CO2 per month. This simple act of switching from car to bicycle not only reduces the carbon footprint and improves air quality, but also reduces traffic congestion and environmental noise. This is especially crucial in polluted cities, such as Barcelona, ​​one of the most affected by daily carbon dioxide emissions.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cycling is of enormous importance not only in environmental terms, but also for health. Regular cycling helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes and even some types of cancer. In addition, cycling improves mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, factors that directly impact people's quality of life.
Urban initiatives to promote bicycle use
One of the pioneering cities in Spain that has adapted to the use of bicycles is Seville, which has more than 180 kilometres of bicycle lanes. During the presentation of the Muévete #PorElClima campaign, Juan Espadas, mayor of Seville and President of the Spanish Network of Cities for the Climate, highlighted the crucial role played by bicycles in reducing emissions and improving sustainable urban mobility. Espadas also committed to disseminating similar initiatives among more than 300 municipalities in the network.
Another notable city is Copenhagen, known worldwide for its cycling infrastructure. With more than 60% of the population using bicycles as a daily means of transport, it has managed to drastically reduce both congestion and polluting emissions. This success is mainly due to investment in exclusive lanes for cyclists and secure parking. Initiatives such as Bogotá's 'CiclovÃa', in which streets are closed to car traffic to encourage the use of bicycles every week, are inspired by cases such as Copenhagen.
Bicycle and sustainable development
The use of bicycles is directly linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those linked to improving health, reducing inequalities and combating climate change. Adopted in some rural areas as the only accessible and affordable means of transport, the bicycle allows people to reach their place of work or study quickly, reliably and without pollution.
In the face of the global climate crisis, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2022 promoting the widespread use of bicycles in public transport systems. These types of policies, by integrating the bicycle as an instrument for sustainable development, not only positively affect the environment, but also reinforce economic growth and social inclusion.
Promoting cycling in companies
In addition to government initiatives, the private sector is also contributing to the promotion of cycling. Companies such as Ingeteam, BH and Liberty Seguros have created programmes to encourage the use of bicycles among their employees. Ingeteam, for example, became the first Spanish company to financially incentivise its employees who travel by bicycle. At its headquarters in Albacete, employees receive one euro per day for travelling by bike. Throughout 2016, Ingeteam employees managed to prevent the emission of more than 11.500 kg of CO2 into the atmosphere, travelling more than 70.000 km by bicycle.
On the other hand, Liberty Seguros offers bicycle loans, training courses and safe routes for its employees, encouraging the use of this means of transport as a way to improve the physical and mental health of its staff.
The motion Stop de Kindermoord: origin of the urban cycling revolution
The cycling movement also has its history. In the 1970s, the cycling movement Stop de Kindermoord In the Netherlands, the city succeeded in changing road infrastructure to give greater priority to bicycles, in response to the increasing number of children who were victims of traffic accidents. This movement was crucial in making cities such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam world leaders in sustainable mobility. This focus on bicycle safety has inspired other countries and cities, such as Bogotá, which today has 630 kilometres of lanes exclusively for bicycles, facilitating safer and greener mobility.
The bicycle as a symbol of responsible transport
International Bicycle Day reminds us that sustainability is not just a matter of big government decisions. Every small gesture counts, and using the bicycle in our daily activities can have a significant impact. Whether it is to avoid congestion in cities or to reduce individual CO2 emissions, the bicycle symbolises clean, economical and healthy transport. More people using bicycles means fewer cars, less pollution and greater awareness of the need to take care of our planet.
In this context, road safety education and safety are essential to ensure that more people feel comfortable and safe using bicycles. Road safety education programmes, such as those implemented in several European cities, and the construction of safe infrastructures are essential to achieve a future where cycling is a viable option for everyone.
International Bicycle Day is not only a day to celebrate this means of transport, but also an opportunity to reflect on how we can contribute with small actions to a more sustainable future. By adopting the bicycle in our daily lives, we are taking a firm step towards improving our personal and global well-being.