Let's Pedal ... : World Bicycle Day - 3rd June

Mandakini *

Photo Courtesy: Participated in Cyclothon by Delhi 350.org Moving Planet, Ashoka Road, 11 Sept 2011.

"When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking." These words by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle beautifully express the alluring nature of cycling.

There is no denying that good time begins with good memories and learning to ride a bicycle is an integral part of it. Childhood memories is incomplete without learning how to ride a bicycle, falling down number of times and of course injuring knees. Walking up to elders and cribbing them to accompany with confidence without fearing of failing again and again.

During childhood, learning bicycle was the biggest challenge, we fell, tried every pace and controlled to balance, one rotation of peddle and balancing is sort of achievement and not to forget repetitively sharing with folks around.

I remember my dad getting me a second hand tiny bicycle during my childhood and my happiness knew no bounds. I immediately started cleaning it off and asked my brother to paint it yellow.

Every evening washing the mud and the sand off the wheels . Caring like a friend because it became a part of family. Nurturing it with machine oil and towel to make it shine now and then.

We grew up with a lot of memories in one baggage, but bicycle always remain in "brackets". When you are young if you get to ride one, you remember those old days fondly.

In April 2018, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 3 as International World Bicycle Day.

Photo Courtesy: Participated in Cyclothon by Delhi 350.org Moving Planet, Ashoka Road, 11 Sept 2011.

The resolution for World Bicycle Day recognizes "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 transport."

World Bicycle Day is a global holiday meant to be enjoyed by all people regardless of any characteristic. The bicycle as a symbol of human progress and advancement "promotes tolerance, mutual understanding and respect and facilitates social inclusion and a culture of peace."

The bicycle further is a "symbol of sustainable transport and conveys a positive message to foster sustainable consumption and production, and has a positive impact on climate."

It's a great feeling & privilege to be a part of a movement that is 350.org Moving Planet and caring selflessly for the earth which needs us and such small steps on grass-root level can be extremely salutary.

350.org is an international environmental organization addressing the climate crisis. Its stated goal is to end the use of fossil fuels and transition to renewable energy by building a global, grassroots movement.

Photo Courtesy: Participated in Cyclothon by Delhi 350.org Moving Planet, Ashoka Road, 11 Sept 2011.

The 350 in the name stands for 350 ppm (parts per million) of carbon dioxide, which has been identified as the safe upper limit to avoid a climate tipping point. As of 2019, the current level has reached 415 ppm.

Through online campaigns, grassroots organizing, mass public actions, and collaboration with an extensive network of partner groups and organizations, 350.org has mobilized thousands of volunteer organizers in over 188 countries.

I encourage the youth and everyone to come forward and be a part of such revolution to protect our environment.

"Let's pledge for a pollution free environment today to protect our tomorrow."