It is bicycle which environment-friendly and also helps individuals remain fit. Somen Debnath had additional cause to travel all around 191 countries of the world. The resident of South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal went away from his house in 2004 with a bicycle to travel around the world and returned his home after twenty long years in 2024.

Debnath’s target to campaign awareness of AIDS

When Somen Debnath started his journey with a bicycle, that time United Nation did not announce World Bicycle Day on June 3. He started to campaign awareness of AIDS. First he travelled 28 states and all Union Territories of the India. Then he traveled Asian countries with bicycle. Then he traveled Europe and Africa. After travelling 191 countries, he returned India after twenty years.

Through his journey, he faced many hurdles. He suffered covid in China. He was detained by talibans in Afganisthan. However, he won all the hurdles and crossed all the milestones to campaign awareness of AiDS.

On the World Bicycle Day, he said, “I got immense support and love around the world. Everybody should try bicycle as it most environ friendly and healthy vehicle.”

What United Nation (UN) says?

World Bicycle Day draws attention to the benefits of using the bicycle — a simple, affordable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation. The bicycle contributes to cleaner air and less congestion and makes education, health care and other social services more accessible to the most vulnerable populations. A sustainable transport system that promotes economic growth, reduces inequalities while bolstering the fight against climate change is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

On 15 March 2022, the General Assembly adopted the resolution on integration of mainstream bicycling into public transportation systems for sustainable development. It emphasized that the bicycle is an instrument of sustainable transportation and conveys a positive message to foster sustainable consumption and production, and has a positive impact on climate.

According to United Nation, “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.”

It further stated, “The Assembly welcomed initiatives to organize bicycle rides at the national and local levels as a means of strengthening physical and mental health and well-being and developing a culture of cycling in society.”