Le Tour de France Invites You to Celebrate World Bicycle Day!

The Tour de France is marking World Bicycle Day on June 3rd by encouraging people to embrace cycling through its programme, L’Avenir à Vélo (The Future by Bike). This initiative seeks to promote cycling as a sustainable mode of transport and a lifestyle choice, focusing on promotion, education, and solidarity. The United Nations established World Bicycle Day in 2018 to celebrate the bicycle’s enduring role as an affordable, reliable, and environmentally friendly means of mobility. Beyond its status as the premier cycling race, the Tour de France has evolved into a global advocate for cycling culture. Through its “Cycle City” network, over 200 cities have been recognised for their dedication to cycling infrastructure and community programmes supporting transport, recreation, and sport. Recent local events, such as the 38 “Fêtes du Tour” celebrations, bring cycling festivities directly to host towns, complementing the broader “Mai à Vélo” initiative. The Tour also promotes sustainable travel options at race venues, encouraging spectators to use bicycles, public transport, or carpooling. Education forms a crucial part of the Tour’s efforts to foster cycling skills and safety. Since 2018, the “Les P’tits Vélos” programme has helped 700,000 children learn to ride, aligning with the French government’s “Savoir Rouler à Vélo” initiative. Interactive workshops at Fan Parks during the race teach bike handling, road safety, and maintenance, while balance bike races and donations of over 7,300 bikes since 2021 support young learners in schools and community centres. The Tour de France’s impact extends internationally through partnerships that provide bicycles to children with limited access to cycling. Collaborations with organisations such as Secours populaire français and South Africa’s Qhubeka have resulted in the donation of thousands of bikes, helping to improve mobility and education opportunities worldwide. These efforts underscore how professional cycling can generate meaningful social benefits far beyond the race itself, promoting cycling as a global movement. As World Bicycle Day approaches, the Tour de France invites everyone to celebrate by riding and sharing the joy of cycling within their communities. This call to action highlights the bicycle’s power to connect people, enhance health, and contribute to sustainable transport solutions across the globe.