Latest news with #WorldBicycleDay
LeMonde
05-07-2025
- Health
- LeMonde
How to combat 'sloth syndrome' and get moving
"It's like therapy, without a therapist." "It helps me come up with better ideas and solutions to a problem." "It connects me to myself and to others." These are just a few of the responses from European citizens to a simple question posed by the World Health Organization (WHO): Why do you love walking or cycling? Launched one month ago by WHO Europe to mark World Bicycle Day on June 3, the campaign "Let's Get Moving! 100 Reasons to Walk and Cycle More" went somewhat unnoticed. Yet, this list could have been a great way to find motivation to walk or cycle more. First, not only does one's physical and mental health experience benefits from this type of exercise, but so does the environment, the economy and even community cohesion. The health arguments alone should be compelling. "In the WHO European Region, physical inactivity is linked to approximately one million deaths each year, with nearly 25% of adults failing to meet WHO's recommendation of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity throughout the week," the United Nations agency emphasized in the campaign's presentation.
Glasgow Times
28-06-2025
- Glasgow Times
Free trishaw rides available at Glasgow's Botanic Gardens
The service, now available in Glasgow's Botanic Gardens, offers free Trishaw rides to people with limited mobility or those living with loneliness or isolation. Trishaws are electric-powered, three-wheeled bikes that carry passengers at the front, offering them an unrestricted view of the world around them as they travel. Read more: New £40,000 community fund set to support grassroots projects Bob Doris, MSP for Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn, attended the launch of the new Glasgow branch and cut the ceremonial bunting to officially launch the service. Bob Doris, MSP for Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn, "cut the bunting' to officially launch the new branch (Image: CWAS) He said: "I am delighted to have opened this iconic new CWAS chapter here in our amazing Botanic Gardens. "I'm a great admirer of the unique service that CWAS provides in virtually every part of Scotland for people of all ages who have to contend with mobility issues or loneliness, as well as the unusual and truly fulfilling volunteering opportunities it creates. "That we now have a CWAS branch operating right here in our own Botanic Gardens, making everything that this superb venue has to offer accessible to even more people, is really exciting." The new branch will offer rides around the Botanic Gardens and along Kelvinside Way, focusing on care home residents and others in the area who meet the scheme's criteria. Ahead of the scheme's official opening, care homes in Bearsden, Drumchapel, and Mosspark took part in pre-launch trials. The project is part of CWAS' Trishaw Rides in Iconic Places (TRIIP) programme, which hopes to make some of Scotland's most popular destinations accessible to all. CWAS also aims to offer a "fulfilling" volunteering experience for the Pilots (the riders), of whom there are now almost 2,000, through its 90 branches across Scotland. Bob Doris and Laura Doherty, Glasgow City Councillor, attended the opening service (Image: CWAS) Read more: Glasgow care home celebrates World Bicycle Day with 'fantastic' trishaw rides Christine Bell, chief executive officer of CWAS, said: "We are enabling anyone with limited mobility, or living with loneliness or isolation, to explore some of the most uplifting and inspiring visitor sites that Scotland has to offer. "Without our amazing Trishaws, they simply wouldn't be able to. "This can be local people or visitors, as we're also of course promoting accessible tourism and, so, supporting both the local and national economy. "Just as this is a fantastic life-enriching and enhancing experience for passengers, it's a brilliant and unique form of volunteering for our pilots. "They all find it extremely fulfilling, and we see many close and heart-warming bonds develop between pilots and passengers. "The pilots also highly value the camaraderie and fresh air, and exercise aspects of their volunteering and, with the stability that three wheels bring and the option of power assistance, virtually anyone can ride a Trishaw. "In fact, we have large numbers of pilots in their 50s, 60s, and 70s – and several in their 80s. "Anyone (16 or over) who would like to volunteer to become a pilot would be very warmly welcomed, and we provide free comprehensive training."
The Star
19-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Cycling for change
WHAT began as a childhood passion on the roads of Poland eventually led to the United Nations proclaiming World Bicycle Day. For Polish-American Professor Leszek Sibilski, the bicycle has always been more than a means of getting from one place to another. Once his sport, cycling turned into Sibilski's lifelong passion that now fuels a global campaign for mobility, sustainability and inclusion. 'All my experience in sports, academia and parenting led me to this work,' Sibilski told StarMetro during his visit to Kuala Lumpur. His visit was arranged by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Kuala Lumpur, which brought Sibilski to Malaysia in conjunction with World Bicycle Day on June 3. The embassy also collaborated with Kuala Lumpur City Hall during its Sunday Car-Free Morning initiative where Sibilski joined the mayor and the public for a ride through the city centre. A former Polish national cyclist, Sibilski later built a career as a sociologist and educator, focusing on social movements and institutions. Car-Free Morning cyclists on a ride through the city centre. 'I just retired from teaching positions, so I'm enjoying my freedom, but I'm keeping myself busy.' That includes championing World Bicycle Day, which was officially recognised by the United Nations in 2018 following a resolution he helped spearhead. Observed annually, the day is now marked by all 193 UN member states, symbolising global recognition of the bicycle as a tool for development, inclusion and sustainability. Sibilski described his ride with Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif, as 'an amazing signal' to the public. This year marks his second visit to Malaysia, after 20 years. While he acknowledged the city's progress, he said Kuala Lumpur still had a long way to go. 'You have about 61km of cycling lanes – that's not enough,' he said. 'The urban design is still very car-oriented and spread out. It's the same issue we face in America,' he added. As Malaysia builds its public transport systems, bicycles must be seen as part of the bigger picture, said Sibilski. For that to happen, there needs to be consistent political will. 'Behind every bicycle is a voter. Don't aim too high, too fast – start from zero. 'Elect politicians who will promote cycling culture and healthy behaviour,' he said. The mobility challenged are not left out of the Car-Free Morning event. Sibilski, who met Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh at the KL Car-Free Morning, said they had a 'very productive' discussion. 'I think there will be a follow-up meeting, and I will introduce her to some of my newest inventions and legislations, which I think will be very useful for your society,' he said. He expressed hope that the mayor would issue a proclamation for Kuala Lumpur to adopt the next World Bicycle Day. One of those initiatives is Bicycles for All, a resolution promoting the integration and promotion of the bicycle as a tool for sport and physical education in cities, schools and communities. For Sibilski, cycling is not just about health or the environment but also a matter of social inclusion. He pointed to the bicycle's role in empowering women, citing its significance in the North American emancipation movement, and stressed its value for marginalised and low-income communities. During his visit, Sibilski said he aimed to engage students, teachers and local leaders in partnerships. 'When you're advocating for something that's your passion, you don't spare anybody.' But his strategy remains one of persuasion, not confrontation. 'Advocacy must be gentle, responsible and creative,' he said. 'When you fight, you lose energy and create enemies. 'We don't need that. We need alliances that support bicycle users,' he added. Sibilski's advice for Malaysia: 'Don't try to replicate other countries, but find your own way. You cannot emulate everything from the Netherlands. 'Apply domestic standards. Pay attention to your culture and tradition.'
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Time for a war on pollution': Delhi's EV and dust control push takes shape at Urban Adda 2025
NEW DELHI: Urban Adda 2025 wrapped up on World Environment Day after three days of discussion, policy announcements, and public engagement focused on clean mobility, gender equity, and sustainable urban design. Organised by the Raahgiri Foundation in partnership with the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and GuruJal, and supported by Nagarro, the event brought together over 600 participants across 30 sessions at the India Habitat Centre. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurating the summit on World Bicycle Day, reflected on his personal use of cycling for commuting and called for a cultural shift: 'Cycling is the best form of exercise and the solution to pollution. Let's shed the idea that it's only for a certain class. It must become a national movement.' The first day saw Delhi Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh announce the upcoming launch of Delhi's EV Policy 2.0, which aims to address last-mile safety, eliminate bus shortages, and improve transport governance. 'It's not just about how many buses, but whether people feel safe in them,' he said. The second day spotlighted gender and urban mobility, with actor and entrepreneur Pooja Bedi saying, 'Our commute isn't travel, it's survival. A medal is reaching home without trauma.' Her remarks called attention to the daily challenges faced by women in public transport. Rajasthan minister Rajyavardhan Rathore spoke about the success of rural electrification in his state, while discussions on electric vehicle localisation warned against blindly replicating internal combustion engine models. 'EV localisation must follow demand, not dictate it,' said Neha Jain of JSW MG Motors. The final day focused on climate resilience and public transport governance. ICCT and IIT Roorkee released a comprehensive review of EV emissions. CAQM Chairperson Rajesh Verma warned of unchecked vehicle growth: 'Vehicles have increased 21 times since 1981—but roads have barely doubled.' Amitabh Kant, India's G20 Sherpa, cited the economic and health toll of pollution in Delhi and called for immediate reforms, including electrification of two- and three-wheelers and adoption of solar-powered technologies in small industries. 'Delhi loses Rs 100,000 crore and 6.3 years of life expectancy annually to pollution. It's time for a war against it,' he said. The event concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between CAQM and the Raahgiri Foundation to develop a Resources Lab for dust pollution mitigation in NCR cities.
Euronews
04-06-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Mount Etna's latest eruption sparks tourism concerns
Despite warnings to stay away, hikers on Mount Etna were forced to flee this week after Italy's most active volcano erupted. Footage from the mountain shared on social media showed tourists scurrying down the slopes as ash rose into the sky. Authorities had issued alerts on Monday morning after signs of increased volcanic activity, but dozens ignored them and climbed toward the summit anyway. 'There was a big explosion and a crater collapsed but luckily it fell into a deserted area,' said Salvo Cocina, head of Sicily's Civil Protection Department. 'It's very hard to block access [to Mount Etna] – you can't fence it off.' No one was injured and the alert level was lowered to the standard 'yellow' on Tuesday. Experiencing a close-up volcanic eruption is a bucket-list event, and Mount Etna offers one of the most accessible opportunities to do it. At 3,350 metres tall and 35 kilometres wide, the Sicilian giant frequently rumbles to life, offering a front-row seat to nature's raw power. Even when it's active, many trails and paths remain safe to climb. '[The experience is] a mix of awe and adrenaline,' says mountain guide Saro Trovato, who safely – and legally – climbed Mount Etna when it erupted inFebruary. 'Even from a distance, you can feel the heat radiating from fresh lava flows.' But above 2,500 metres, hikers are legally required to travel with a qualified mountain guide, who can keep visitors safe as well as informed. On Tuesday, many hikers were as high as 2,700 metres above sea level. Conditions can change quickly on the mountain. On Monday, a pyroclastic flow – a fast-moving surge of gas, rock and ash – travelled two kilometres down the mountainside. It didn't go further than the Valle del Leone, a natural containment area for lava flows, but any changes could have led to catastrophe. Tourism presents other problems during eruptions, too. In February, Cocina said that tourists parked on narrow roads around Mount Etna had blocked access for emergency vehicles. Firefighters had to be deployed to manage the growing crowds. This is why the authorities mandate mountain guides such as Trovato, who receive real-time updates from volcanologists and rescue teams and are trained to respond if conditions suddenly change. 'Always check volcanic activity updates from local authorities and respect any access restrictions,' he advises. Especially when the volcano starts to stir. Across Europe, more travellers are choosing to see the continent from the bicycle saddle. The once-niche endurance sport is now a growing form of low-impact, eco-friendly travel that's gaining momentum as Europe embraces more sustainable ways to move and explore. In fact, cycling tourism accounts for an estimated 2.3 billion trips across the EU each year, according to the European Cyclists' Federation (ECF), from multi-day bikepacking adventures to leisurely riverside rides that go far beyond the city commute. In honour of World Bicycle Day today, 3 June, there's no better time to embrace a form of travel that's as good for your well-being as it is for the world around you. A love for cycling is deeply embedded in Europe's DNA. This is the continent of the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and La Vuelta a España, after all. But the recent surge in two-wheeled travel isn't about elite stage races alone. Increasingly, everyday travellers are planning cycling holidays around slow, scenic routes that offer a more immersive, eco-friendly way to explore the world. According to the ECF, cycling tourism now generates more than €44 billion annually and supports thousands of small businesses, from rural guesthouses to bike rental shops. In many cases, cyclists help extend tourism beyond the usual hotspots, bringing off-season or additional income to lesser-visited towns and regions. And if you add in economic gains from better health and fuel savings, the ECF estimates that cycling produces €150 billion in total benefits for Europe. The benefits of cycling tourism go beyond economics, too. Riding a bike even for short trips supports several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), from reducing carbon emissions to improving physical and mental health, and creating more inclusive and accessible transport systems. It's no wonder travellers are increasingly swapping long drives and flights for open-air experiences that tread lightly and prioritise well-being. At the heart of Europe's cycling renaissance is EuroVelo, a continent-wide network of long-distance cycle routes designed to promote sustainable travel and build a better-connected Europe. Once complete, the network will span nearly 61,000 kilometres, connecting the continent via 17 themed routes developed and coordinated by the ECF. As of 2023, over 56,000 kilometres were already in place, mostly along dedicated cycleways or quiet, low-traffic roads enhanced by new bike-friendly lanes. Each route has a distinct identity. EuroVelo 1, the Atlantic Coast Route, hugs Europe's western seaboard for more than 10,600 kilometres, running from northern Norway, across the UK and Ireland, through France and Spain and ending in Portugal. EuroVelo 6, the Rivers Route, follows the Loire, Rhine and Danube through the centre of the continent before reaching the Black Sea. And EuroVelo 13, the so-called Iron Curtain Trail, links former Cold War borders all the way to the edges of Turkey and Greece, turning a once-divisive line into a path of discovery. EuroVelo is continuing to expand across the continent. In 2023, the ECF announced plans for EuroVelo 16, a nearly 1,900-kilometre Iberian Cycle Route. By 2028, the route will connect Lisbon and Pamplona with a journey through Alentejo, Toledo, Madrid and the foothills of the Pyrenees. But other routes are proving just as popular. The 10-year-old Bay Cycle Way, a 130-kilometre path connecting Walney Island in Barrow-in-Furness with Glasson Dock in Lancaster, attracts three million riders a year, according to its founders, the Morecambe Bay Partnership. Now, national governments are also stepping up. The UK announced nearly €355 million in funding in February to improve walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure in England. The investment will add 300 miles of new routes, create safer crossings and provide free cycling training for hundreds of thousands of schoolchildren. The city of Manchester is going a step further, aiming to make so-called 'active travel' routes widely accessible through its Bee Network of walking, cycling, bus and tram routes. 'Our plan to connect 95 per cent of our residents to within 400 metres of high-quality active travel routes is arguably the boldest in the country,' said Manchester's mayor, Andy Burnham, in a statement. As governments invest in cycle-friendly infrastructure and more travellers seek meaningful, lower-impact ways to explore, cycling stands out for its simplicity and reach. Whether it's a weekend ride along the Danube or a month-long journey from Norway to Portugal, cycling is becoming both a tourism asset and a public good that lets you experience Europe with fresh eyes and a lighter footprint.
