It Is World Bicycle Day

Happy world bicycle day

Kenya would today join the rest of the world in celebrating the bicycle day but the coronavirus effects have greatly affected sporting activities with fewer activities taking place. Every year the 3^rd of July the world celebrates world bicycle day.

Cycling is not bounded to a certain age as anybody can cycle whether young or old. It is a great experience.

Kenya Cycling Events. Photo Courtesy

Eric Kinoti a professional cycler from Meru says his love for cycling started when he was five years old when his mum bought him a BMX bike and grew up loving the activity.

“My true biking experience came when I was introduced to a cycling club in Narok headed by James Mwaura one of the best cyclists in Kenya. Through his training, I have been able to participate in various competitions both road and mountain biking.” Says Eric

Eric notes that “My teammates and I mostly cycle during the weekends but we also create time in the mornings or evenings for cycling… this has a great advantage because it is a major campaign for pollution reduction as a mode of transport. It makes one clear their minds and as for me, the adrenaline, the energy, and the sweat gives me the thrill that I find nowhere else. Once you start, it is so addictive”

Eric Kinoti cycling in Narok County,

Cycling isn’t a game, it’s a sport. Tough, hard and unpitying, and it requires great sacrifices. One plays football, or tennis, or hockey. One doesn’t play at cycling

Allan Aoko a journalist at Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) is also a cyclist and he says the experience is amazing! “I have cycled since childhood but took a hiatus since then. However, last year, I went back to cycling after joining the workforce where I discovered it was more economical to cycle to and from work. Cycling isn’t just moving from point A to B but a culture and a sense of belonging.”

Allan notes that there is a fair share of challenges in Kenya for cyclists. There is a lack of cycling amenities where many roads still lack cycle paths and were there some, they have been encroached by hawkers and car garages.

He says bicycles too are expensive in that there are no tax incentives to get onto cycling. Allan regrets the lack of proper and clear legislation and regulations that protect cyclists and their bicycles in case of theft, vandalism, or accidents.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cycling is not only for health purposes but also

• The synergy between the bicycle and the user fosters creativity and social engagement and gives the user an immediate awareness of the local environment
• The bicycle is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation
• The bicycle can serve as a tool for development and as a means not just of transportation but also of access to education, health care, and sport
• The bicycle is a symbol of sustainable transportation and conveys a positive message to foster sustainable consumption and production, and has a positive impact on climate.

Eric Kinoti cycling on a weekend

The majority of citizens in a city who walk or cycle are often overlooked and cited as poor people even if the benefits of investing in pedestrians and cyclists can save lives, help protect the environment and support poverty reduction.