Today is World Bicycle Day!

And, reaffirming its commitment to cycling mobility, the Tour de France‘s program, L’Avenir á Vélo (aka The Future by Bike), invites you to just go ride your bike. In hopes of inspiring as many people as possible to make cycling a part of their lives, the program aims to do this through ‘Promotion, Education, and Solidarity’.

Celebrate World Bicycle Day on June 3, 2026!

(Photo / Le Tour de France)

Created back in April 2018, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 3rd as World Bicycle Day. The mission of the day is to recognize “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 transport”.

And It’s Not Just About Racing…

Sure, the Tour de France is the biggest race in cycling. But the Tour has expanded far beyond its racing origins to become a catalyst for cycling culture across communities worldwide. For instance, through their “Cycle City” network, over 200 cities have earned recognition for their commitment to cycling infrastructure… as well as their programs that support transportation, recreation, and sport.

This past weekend, 38 “Fêtes du Tour” celebrations took place in host towns. This brings cycling festivities directly to local communities as part of the broader “Mai à Vélo” initiative.

The organization also promotes sustainable transportation at race events, providing secure bike parking and encouraging spectators to arrive by bicycle, train, or carpool.

Learning to Ride

(Photo / Le Tour de France)

Education is key, and a central pillar of these efforts, with “Les P’tits Vélos”. The program has taught 700,000 children to ride since 2018, which supports the French government’s “Savoir Rouler à Vélo” program.

During the Tour, “Les Ateliers du Tour” run interactive workshops at Fan Parks across 16 race days. This covers bike handling, road safety, and basic maintenance skills.

The organization also hosts super fun balance bike races and donates around 1,300 balance bikes annually to schools and community centers. Since 2021, donations of 7,300 bikes have helped young children develop their own cycling skills.

Le Tour has a truly Global Reach promoting World Bicycle Day

The Tour’s social impact extends globally through bicycle donation programs. Since 2018, over 7,200 more bikes have been given to children with limited cycling access. This includes partnerships with “Secours populaire français” for annual distribution events.

The collaboration with the South African organization, Qhubeka, has funded more than 2,000 bicycles for school children. That alone is a good demonstration of how professional cycling can create tangible benefits for communities far from the race routes while still fostering cycling access and education worldwide.

Pretty cool stuff.

Now, get out and celebrate World Bicycle Day with a kick-ass ride of your own, and bring a new cyclist with you. Spread the love of the bicycle in your community.

LeTour.fr

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