The United Nations observed June 3 as World Bicycle Day in an effort to encourage member-states to devote attention to the bicycle in development strategies and improving road safety.

"The bicycle is not only a means of transportation, but also an inseparable part of an efficient, environmentally friendly and healthy modern life," Indonesia`s Permanent Representative to the UN, Dian Triansyah Djani, said in a statement on Monday.

The UN General Assembly had on April 12, 2018, adopted a resolution declaring June 3 as World Bicycle Day. The resolution, which was supported by 193 member-states, encourages member-states to include the bicycle in international, regional, national and subnational development policies and programs. World Bicycle Day at the UN Headquarters in New York on Sunday was attended by ambassadors and diplomats as well as representatives of international organisations, bike enthusiasts, persons with disabilities, and para-cycling athletes.

"The adoption of the World Bicycle Day Resolution reflects international recognition to the bicycle as a means to achieve Sustainable Development Goals," said Djani.

More than 100 million bicycles are produced globally each year. Indonesia produced around six million bicycles in 2017, Indonesia`s Permanent Mission to the UN said in the statement. The growing number of bicycle users was expected to contribute to the growth of the global bicycle industry, estimated to be worth US$65.4 billion in 2022. ( ant )