President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on Tuesday took part in a mass cycling ride held in Ashgabat to mark World Bicycle Day. The sporting event, which started near the Bicycle Monument in the southern part of the capital, brought together more than 2,000 participants, according to Turkmenistan’s official news portal reported on Tuesday.
Members of the Government, heads and employees of ministries and sectoral agencies, representatives of public organizations, diplomats accredited in Turkmenistan, students, and athletes attended to the event. The route, stretching more than 11 kilometers, passed along the capital’s central avenues and concluded near the Ruhyyet Palace.
As part of the holiday celebrations, bicycles were presented on behalf of the Hero Arkadag and the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship to children raised at the Döwletliler Köşgi Palace and currently spending their holidays at the “Chynar” Children’s Recreation Center in Gokdere.
Abroad also organized World Bicycle Day events . Mass cycling rides arranged by Turkmenistan’s diplomatic missions in Russia, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Georgia, and France, as well as by the Consulate General of Turkmenistan in Herat, Afghanistan, brought together students, representatives of the Turkmen diaspora, diplomats, and members of local communities.
World Bicycle Day is observed annually on June 3 following a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. Turkmenistan was among the countries that promoted the initiative and, in recent years, has actively advanced a number of international efforts aimed at developing cycling and promoting healthy lifestyles.
