Aksoltan Töreýewna Ataýewa is a Turkmen politician and diplomat. She is her country's permanent representative to the United Nations - and the 73-year-old is responsible for the existence of "World Bicycle Day" on the part of the United Nations. Ataýewa presented the draft resolution for World Bicycle Day and the United Nations adopted it without a vote on April 12, 2018, proclaiming June 3 as World Bicycle Day.

The reason for Bicycle Day is that there are around one billion cyclists worldwide and the important role that cycling plays in personal mobility and sustainable development. The UN resolution states, among other things:

(....) Recognizing the uniqueness, durability and versatility of the bicycle, which has been in use for two centuries, and that it is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally sound means of transport that promotes environmental protection and health,

Recognizing that the synergy between the bicycle and the user promotes creativity and social engagement and provides the user with an immediate awareness of the local environment, and recognizing that the bicycle can serve as a development tool and a means not only for transportation, but also for access to education, health care and sports,

Stressing that the bicycle is a symbol of sustainable transportation and sends a positive message to promote sustainable consumption and production and has a positive impact on the climate, (....)

UCI President David Lappartient says of the new Day of the Bicycle: "We are delighted that the United Nations has declared June 3 as World Bicycle Day - this historic decision recognizes the far-reaching positive impact of cycling on the global population and sets the tone for further international initiatives."