Colleagues at the Belgian Embassy in Beijing on a bike ride Photo: Courtesy of Belgian Embassy in Beijing

June 3 marks World Bicycle Day. The day was declared by the UN General Assembly to acknowledge the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the bicycle, which has been in use for more than two centuries. 

World Bicycle Day aims to draw attention to the benefits of using the bicycle - a simple, affordable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation. The bicycle contributes to cleaner air less congestion and makes education, health care and other social services more accessible to the most vulnerable populations.

For these reasons, cycling is also immensely popular in Belgium, both as a means of everyday transportation, and as a sport. Belgium not only has the world's best cyclists but is also among the top manufacturing countries of bicycle parts and accessories in Europe. 

Cycling plays an important part in the daily life of colleagues in the Belgian Embassy in Beijing. 

"During my leisure time, I choose to escape by pedaling through the streets of Beijing at my own pace. I especially like to venture into the small alleys of the hutong that give me the feeling of entering a maze where something is happening all the time, and where there are so many things which capture my attention," said Annabelle, a staffer from the Belgian Embassy in Beijing. "Cycling during my free time or when going to work allows me to uncover hidden treasures and picturesque corners every day. This motivates me to continue exploring relentlessly."