June 3, 2023
United Nations

Permanent Mission of the Republic of Poland to the United Nations in New York in partnership with Polish Cultural Institute organized World Bicycle Day at the UN New York Headquarters.

The event, set up in the UN gardens, brought together diplomats, the UN Secretariat staff and representatives of the New York authorities. During the celebration, futuristic bicycles designed by Polish artists Agnieszka Olczak and Adam Zdanowicz and created with the use of recycled glass were presented.

-Adapting the resolution declaring June 3 as World Bicycle Day, 193 UN Member States, unanimously acknowledged the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of bicycles which have been in use for two centuries being simple, affordable, reliable, environment-friendly and sustainable means of transportation – said Ambassador Krzysztof Szczerski. – On Poland’s initiative the UNESCO Executive Board adopted two weeks ago the first, historic decision on the bicycle – “Bicycle for all – Bicycle for sustainable and healthy lifestyles”. The decision aims at promoting the bicycle as a tool that contributes to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Speakers included the President of the UN General Assembly Csaba Kőrösi, UN Under-Secretary-General Melissa, the New York Commissioner of the Department of Transportation Ydanis Rodriguez, the artists Agnieszka Olczak and Adam Zdanowicz, and the initiator of the World Bicycle Day – Professor Leszek Sibilski. As part of the celebrations, the diplomats took part in the bicycle ride in the vicinity of the UN Headquarters.

World Bicycle Day is observed for the fifth time on the basis of the resolution of the UN General Assembly of April 12, 2018 which was established on the initiative of Polish Professor Leszek Sibilski. On May 19, 2023, on the initiative of Poland, also by acclamation, the decision of the UNESCO Executive Board – “Bicycle for all – Bicycle for sustainable and healthy lifestyles” was adopted. This decision is the first UNESCO initiative of its kind and calls for the promotion of cycling to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the UN 2030 Agenda both in UNESCO programs and by all Member States.