Before the city of Yangon stirs to life, the rhythmic sound of pedals turning echoes quietly around Kandawgyi Lake. For Ko Mote Seik, a 63-year-old cycling enthusiast, World Bicycle Day is no different than any other day—because for him, every day belongs to cycling.
“I’ve ridden every single day for 20 years,” he says proudly. “Even during the COVID-19 period—not one day missed.”
Wearing a modest cycling jersey and helmet, Ko Mote Seik recounts his two-decade journey through Myanmar and beyond, including rides across China, India, and Thailand. Once burdened by stress and exhaustion from working night shifts at hotels and hospitals, he found relief and joy on two wheels.
“I was tired all the time. No exercise. Stressed out. Then I found the bike,” he reflects. “Now, no medicine, no clinics. Just cycling.”
Each day, Ko Mote Seik pedals at least 20 miles—more on weekends. What began as a coping mechanism has transformed into a lifelong calling. “Cycling is my life,” he says. “When I ride, I feel happy and healthy. I don’t work anymore—I just ride.”
Still, the cycling path isn’t without its bumps. He points out challenges like the high cost of bikes and gear, limited time, and the lack of safe bike lanes in Yangon. Despite this, he champions cycling’s broader benefits: “Young people avoid drugs. Older people get healthier. And we all make friends. That’s the beauty of it.”
He adds, “Cycling gave me health and happiness. If we don’t have good health, no amount of money can make us healthy.”
Ko Mote Seik is far from alone in his devotion. Across Yangon, more people are discovering the joys and benefits of cycling, building a diverse and supportive community around the sport.
One of them is Ko Khin, 38, who turned to cycling four years ago after battling diabetes and high blood pressure. “My health improved,” he says. “Now I ride around Kandawgyi Lake every day and go longer on Sundays. And I’ve made many friends through cycling.”
Ko Nyi Htut, 35, began cycling just last year. A full-time office worker, he was initially looking for a way to get some exercise. “Now it feels like therapy,” he says with a grin. “It helps me disconnect from screens and stress.”
His story reflects a broader trend in Yangon. With rising fuel prices and growing traffic congestion, more commuters are turning to bicycles for practical and personal reasons.
That growing popularity is reflected at UTN Bicycle Shop, a local fixture for over 30 years. Tin Ko Latt, 48, who has worked there most of his life, sees a broad spectrum of customers. “We have students, office workers, delivery riders, and people cycling for their health,” he says. “Sales go up in the summer and again when school starts.”
To celebrate World Bicycle Day, the shop offered free repairs and shared the event on social media. Tin Ko Latt, too, is an everyday rider. “No waiting for buses. No fuel costs. It’s good for your health. That’s why I ride.”
Across town at Moe Bicycle Shop, 51-year-old Ko Zaw Lin shares a similar passion. “I opened this shop because I love bikes,” he says. “Now we even sell battery bikes. More people come in every year.”
His customer base includes students, workers, and retirees—all drawn to a simpler, healthier, and more affordable lifestyle.
Since 2018, June 3 has been observed globally as World Bicycle Day, following a United Nations declaration recognizing the bicycle as a simple, affordable, and environmentally sustainable mode of transport. The day celebrates how cycling fosters health, mobility, and community.
And in Yangon, the celebration is not just a one-day affair—it’s a daily ritual for many. For Ko Mote Seik and countless others, every spin of the wheel is a small act of freedom, a way to live with purpose and joy.
“Cycling gave me my life back,” he says, eyes bright. “I just want to keep riding, every day, as long as I can.”
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