With or without training wheels, we all remember those first clumsy rides when we tried to keep our balance while our parents ran behind us. Then came that moment when we finally mastered riding a bicycle, felt the wind in our hair and gained that sense of freedom. A sense that we could go anywhere.

One lap around the building or join Tour de France, it did not matter. It was a true feeling of freedom.

Today, we are adults, but the bicycle still offers us freedom, along with many other practical benefits.

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Did you know that around 100 million bicycles are produced annually worldwide?

Cycling is one of the simplest ways to stay fit. It improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and increases endurance. Besides being beneficial for our bodies, cycling is also a true remedy for our anxious minds.

Riding through nature or even through city parks can significantly reduce stress and improve mental health.

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However, the bicycle is not just a tool for personal development. In a world facing climate change, cycling is an eco-friendly mode of transport. No harmful gas emissions, no noise, just the clean, green energy produced by our legs.

Imagine how our cities would look and sound like if more people used bicycles instead of cars. Less pollution, less noise, more space for green areas.

The first commercially sold bicycle was nicknamed “Boneshaker” because its rigid frame and lack of springs made bike rides a “bone-shaking” experience. It weighed 80 kg and was first sold in 1868 in Paris.

Although it sounds counterintuitive, cycling is one of the fastest ways of getting around urban areas. Bicycles take up less space and they can often bypass traffic jams. Many European metropolises, including Podgorica, have already recognised the benefits of cycling and invested in infrastructure that supports cyclists.

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In 2018, the United Nations General Assembly declared 3 June World Bicycle Day.

Today is that day. So, take your bicycle and set off on an adventure. Explore new paths, discover hidden corners of the city you live in, and enjoy the sense of freedom that cycling provides.

At least one lap around the building, with or without training wheels, a bicycle can work wonders for your body and mind, while also contributing to a greener and healthier society.