A bicycle is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation. Experts are of the opinion that cycling provides a form of transport while reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, diabetes, and even death.
Acknowledging the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the bicycle, which has been in use for two centuries, the world marks June 3 as World Bicycle Day.
The day encouraged stakeholders to emphasise and advance the use of the bicycle as a means of fostering sustainable development, strengthening education, including physical education, for children and young people, promoting health, preventing disease, promoting tolerance, mutual understanding and respect and facilitating social inclusion and a culture of peace.
To promote and facilitate the culture of bicycling in the country, Qatar government continues to add relevant infrastructure. Ashghal opened the world record holding Olympic Cycling Track in 2020, facilitating international sports competitions, as the track is designed to allow speeds of up to 50kmph.
The track is 33km long and 7m wide, and provides a non-stop ride with 29 tunnels and five bridges.
Most recently, the Public Works Authority installed six cycling counters, including four on the Olympic Cycling Track and two on the common pedestrian and cycling track, along Al Khor Road.
The counters are aimed at providing enhanced safety for both pedestrians and cyclists. The authority also announced the opening of a shared pedestrian and cycling track on the eastern side of Al Khor Road along a stretch of 38km.
The relevant facilities and activities have been encouraging people to take up cycling as a sport or a hobby.
There are some people who have earned international fame for the country by cycling around the world in different countries.
Abdulla al-Hammadi, also known as Abo Hashem, is a prominent Qatari cyclist and a fit athlete at 63. He recently spoke to Gulf Times on the eve of the World Bicycle Day.
“I have done more than 50,000 kilometres of cycling around the world. Some of the significant accomplishments are solo cycling in Japan from north to south – covering a distance of 2,340km, riding the bicycle in Europe, US, Cambodia, South Korea, Rwanda, Sudan, and all the GCC countries. I have also cycled the whole of Qatar to promote road safety, by visiting primary schools around the country,” said Abo Hashem.
Asked if he thinks it is important to celebrate the World Bicycle day, the cycling enthusiast said that the day is necessary to raise awareness regarding the benefits of the sport. “It is important to have a World Bicycle Day. It will promote physical health and reduce emissions. It can help making the healthy activity a lifestyle.”
Further stressing the point of the cycling being a useful physical activity, the athlete said: “Cycling is very useful especially for people who are overweight because it does not cause any injury to their knees unlike walking or running. There are many health and social benefits of the activity. It increases cardiovascular fitness. Cycling also increases muscle strength and flexibility. The sport helps improve joint mobility. It also decreases stress levels and improves posture and co-ordination. Further, the activity strengthens bones and decreases body fat levels. It also helps in prevention or management of different diseases.”
Speaking about what are some important steps that a beginner needs to keep in mind before starting a cycling routine, Abo Hashem said: “Always use dedicated cycling lanes. If the lanes are not available, then always stay on the right side of the road. We should avoid highways and do not forget to wear helmet. Always use cycle lights and make sure you have spare tube and needed tools before your start your ride.”
Known Qatari cyclist Abo Hashem says World Bicycle Day is important to raise awareness about cycling as a healthy and environment-friendly transport.
Abdulla al-Hammadi with his bicycle
