World Bicycle Day: UAE continues its pioneering role in promoting sustainable cycling to promote community sports

The UAE commemorated World Bicycle Day, which is observed globally on June 3 annually, in an effort to raise awareness of cycling and promote the sport. The country continues its efforts to encourage the use of bicycles by leveraging the nation’s infrastructure, which includes safe bike routes and support facilities spread across several emirates. These efforts further confirm the vital role of bicycles as an easy and simple mode of transportation in the daily lives of community members. Apart from being a means of transportation, bicycles also hold a key role in promoting sustainability, reducing pollution and improving quality of life. 

In line with this, the General Authority of Sports (GAS) along with its stakeholders encourages cycling practices to promote sports culture among various communities and motivate people to include exercise as a key part of their lifestyle to consolidate the concept of community sports. Furthermore, it seeks to encourage community members to follow a healthier and sustainable lifestyle by efficiently using bicycles as a part of their daily sports activities. These efforts contribute to the goal of National Sports Strategy 2031 to boost the rate of exercise in society by 15 per cent, from 43 per cent in 2018 up to 71 per cent of the population by 2031.

In addition, the UAE Cycling Team commemorated this International Day. Since its inception, the team has attained remarkable recognition, positioning it as one of the most prominent cycling teams worldwide. Recently, the team made great achievements in the tour of Giro d’Italia. With its upcoming participation in the Tour de France 2024, the team aims to build on its successes in the world’s premier tours. These achievements contribute to raising the UAE flag high in global sports tournaments and strengthening the country’s reputation globally.

Globally, bicycles are regarded as a means of environmentally friendly transportation as they contribute towards lower carbon emissions and improve public health, two major factors in environmental protection. Furthermore, it has a significant impact on community sports promotion. Cycling enables us to realise the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision while also supporting the sustainable development goals of creating a healthy and sustainable society.