Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN addresses the first celebration of the World Bicycle Day held by the UN on June 3 in New York (Photo: VNA)

The bicycle has and will continue to play an important role in the life of Vietnamese in the past, the present, and in the future, said Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN at the first celebration of World Bicycle Day held by the UN in New York on Sunday. Nga said in the the past, the bicycle played a crucial role in the cause of national independence and freedom. Nowadays, it has become an economical and popular means of transport in both rural and urban areas. The bicycle has been the inspiration for many artistic, literary and musical works in Vietnam, she said. 

In Vietnam, cycling tournaments always draw a lot of public attention. There are more than 10 official cycling tournaments such as the National Female Cycling Tournament, the Ton Hoa Sen Cup, and the TV Cup Cycling tournament. Many local cycling tournaments are also held, like the cycling campaigns for health and the environment. Do Anh Tuan, President of the Da Nang Sports Bicycle Association said: “Cycling tournaments in Da Nang aim to convey a message about health and the environment like environmental issues in Son Tra, Ba Na, and Hai Van gate which has been recognized as a historical relic site.”

Cycling tournaments in Vietnam also feature social activities like presenting gifts to the victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, and to disadvantaged people and social beneficiaries. The games also draw the participation of foreign cyclists who have inspired other people to take up cycling.