June 3 is observed as World Bicycle Day after the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to this effect on April 12, 2018. "Acknowledging 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 transportation, fostering environmental stewardship and health, the General Assembly decided to declare 3 June World Bicycle Day."
In a letter to Rajesh B. Naik, Chairman Lead Agency, GOACAN Coordinator Roland Martins has pointed out that bicycles have been part of life in Goa for a very long time and were even being registered with the local bodies, however, since they are not within the ambit of the Motor Vehicles Act they have not come under any special program of Road Safety.
“In the last 15 years there has been a rise in the number of road accidents involving bicycles where there has been a steady increase in the number of injuries caused to cyclists and even deaths. There has been a growth in the number of people of all ages taking to using bicycles on a regular basis whether as a means of transport to work & shop or for the purpose of physical fitness or just as a hobby”, he added.
The Letter has called upon the Lead Agency Chairman to request the Taluka level Assistant Directors of Transport (ADT) to hold a sensitisation meeting of cycling club representatives in their respective jurisdiction with the assistance of the concerned Police Inspector Traffic Cell; Include bicycles and cyclists in the forthcoming observation of the State Road Safety Week to be observed in September 2026 and National Road Safety Month in January-February 2027.
The NGO has also called for requesting the Traffic Police & PWD to submit specific recommendations on Road Engineering that are relevant to bicycles and cyclists which can then be passed on to the respective District Road Safety Committee for their consideration.
