National Camera Day

Everything comes into focus on June 29th each year when we recognize National Camera Day. The day commemorates photographs, the camera, and their invention. A camera is an irreplaceable tool used to record and replicate memories, events, and people/places. Before the invention of the camera, the only resource to document a vision was a painting. Capturing an image of a person or place in a drawing took time and skill. Very few people can perfectly draw the likeness of someone, let alone capture the essence of an event.

The power of a camera provided many with a simple, inexpensive, and fast solution. George Eastman, also known as “The Father of Photography,” brought the camera to the masses. While he did not invent the camera, he did develop many additions improving the use, ease, and production of the camera. His developments made the camera widely available to homes around the world.

While the first cameras were large and bulky, each later design evolved until some cameras were as small as a pen. Today’s digital cameras have many features and variations, making them appealing to people of all ages for personal and professional use. The portable and easy-to-use features not only allow us to take photos quickly, but we can also edit them on the fly. Smartphones with built-in cameras include features that allow us to share photos instantly, too. 

Taking photos has become so easy. According to Business Insider, in 2017, we took over 1.2 trillion digital photos! From a large boxy camera to one that fits in our pocket, cameras have come a long way.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CAMERA DAY

Whether photography is a hobby or your profession, celebrate the day by taking photos. Snap a picture of something or someone you enjoy and cherish the memory. But taking pictures isn’t the only way to celebrate.

  • Take a photography class.
  • Teach someone how to take outstanding photos.
  • Expand your photography skills by learning more about your camera.
  • Try a different style of photography or camera.

Post photos on social media using #NationalCameraDay.

WORLD BICYCLE DAY

On June 3, World Bicycle Day targets individuals as a way to promote a healthy lifestyle, especially for those with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Organizers also target local governments to encourage them to improve road safety and integrate bicycling into transportation infrastructure planning and design.

Bicycles and the routes their riders are on the increase. They’re seen as a healthier, inexpensive and convenient mode of transportation, and they’re sharing the road with more traditional urban transit systems. City planners looking to alleviate the increased flow of automobile traffic encourage bicycles usage. In some cities, public transportation systems can’t handle the demand, so cities are beginning to accommodate bikes with improvements such as “bicycle-only lanes” and other improvements.

Did you know that according to transportation researchers, $50 billion is spent worldwide on bicycles each year – and that number is growing? On top of that, the U.S. cycling market is a $5.9 billion industry.  In many cities, dockless bicycle systems are fueling the popularity of bicycling. Dockless systems allow users to locate a bicycle nearby and unlock it electronically. Did you know that the fastest-growing bicycle type in the market right now is electric?

WORLD BICYCLE DAY HISTORY

The first World Bicycle Day was observed in 2019. In April 2018, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 3 as International World Bicycle Day.

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HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD BICYCLE DAY

If you own a bicycle, get on it, and see how far you can travel before getting exhausted. Then, every week, try to extend that distance.

Rent a bicycle to try a different exercise such as back road bicycling, mountain biking, or urban cruising. On social media, #WorldBicycleDay or #June3WorldBicycleDay will help you interact with others about the day.

NATIONAL BIKE TO WORK DAY

The month of May is National Bike Month. National Bike to Work Day takes place on the third Friday in May.

A growing number of various bicycle-related events will be held in communities nationwide during National Bike Month which includes National Bike To Work Day.

In the United States, from the year 2000 to 2011, the number of bicycle commuters grew by more than 47 percent.

National Bike to Work Day promotes the bicycle as a healthy and safe alternative for commuting to work.

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HISTORY

National Bike to Work Day originated in 1955 by the League of American Bicyclists and is endorsed by the American Medical Association.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Use #BikeToWorkDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL BIKE MONTH

National Bike Month in May incorporates several events including National Bike to Work Week and National Bike to School Day.

The month-long peddle pushing celebration encourages everyone to air up those tires, check your brakes and ride! Biking is one of the healthier exercises as it’s low impact (if you don’t fall) and cardiovascular. Biking also is an excellent way to run errands and get to and from work.

Families bike together getting to know their neighborhoods. Bicycling is an affordable and alternative means of transportation, as well.

HISTORY

The League of American Bicyclists sponsors National Bike which was founded the observance in 1956.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Ride a bike. If you don’t have one, many cities offer bike rentals. Whether you like to bicycle alone or even in tandem, give it a whirl! Use #NationalBikeMonth to share on social media.