On June 3, people all over the world celebrate World Bicycle Day, declared during the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly at the initiative of Turkmenistan in April 2018. In the context of global climate change, this day is increasingly important. Today, World Cycling Day is associated with the promotion of healthy lifestyle and sustainable transport, symbolized by a bicycle.
As the initiator of the globally significant event, Turkmenistan aims at leading in the implementation of the event both at the national and international levels. On this day, various competitions, sports and cultural events are organized throughout the country in sports complexes, cultural and entertainment centers, parks. Large-scale bike rides, dedicated to this day, as well as to other significant dates, are led by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The diplomatic missions of Turkmenistan abroad organize regular bike rides in the host countries.
Cycling promotion campaigns that are held in Turkmenistan are distinguished by their scale and uniqueness. So, on June 1, 2019, 2019 cyclists lined up in a row and at a certain distance from each other circled the Olympic Village in Ashgabat, covering a distance of 3.300 meters. This event entered the Guinness Book of Records as the longest running bike parade along a single line.
Last year, the "Bicycle" monument was opened in the Turkmen capital, the artistic composition of which embodies both national motives and the Turkmen people’s commitment to universal values and the international sports movement.
This year, on the initiative of Ashgabat authorities and public organizations, in honor of the 140th anniversary of Ashgabat, an environmental action was held to restrict the road transport movement on May 10-25. The actions are aimed at creating a favorable living environment for people, developing an ecological culture of society and a responsible attitude to the environment, strengthening the principles of a healthy lifestyle and popularizing cycling.
Participants in high-level meeting on transport, health and environment, which took place in Vienna in May this year, adopted a joint declaration to accelerate the transition to cleaner, safer, accessible to all types of transport that also promotes health. Representatives from 56 countries signed the Pan-European Master Plan for Cycling Promotion, which aims to double the number of cyclists and cycling trips across Europe by 2030.
The Vienna Declaration recognizes the interdependence of the environment and human health and aims to promote an active lifestyle that will help prevent noncommunicable diseases and reduce pollution.
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