Leszek Sibilski

Leszek Jan Sibilski (born April 1, 1958) is a Polish-American sociologist, track cyclist, and the originator of the World Bicycle Day.

Education and professional career Leszek Sibilski graduated from Education and Sport Science at the Academy of Physical Education in Poznań. In 2000, he earned a Ph.D. in Sociology in Social Inclusion and Social Movements from the Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland. As a sociologist, he focuses on climate change, the environment, family, public policy, global poverty, youth, and the role of women in contemporary society. Montgomery College, and Marymount University.

Cyclist From 1971 to 1983, he trained in track cycling. He was national junior champion in sprint as well as on the 500 and 1000 metres distances. He received the formal support of the Turkmenistan Representation to the United Nations. On April 12, 2018, the resolution establishing June 3 as World Bicycle Day was supported by 193 countries of which 56 were co-sponsors. On 15 March 2022, following similar campaign by Sibilski, UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on integration of mainstream bicycling into public transportation systems for sustainable development.

Sibilski is also engaged in commemoration of the 1978 air crash near Gabare, Bulgaria in which five Polish cyclists died. He was not a member of the team due to his commitment at the university.

Sibilski received several awards, including from the Mayors of New York City, Boston, the China Disabled Persons' Federation, He was a Kosciuszko Foundation and Harvard Kennedy School scholar. He is married to Krystyna and is father to Jakub and Agnieszka. He holds both Polish and American citizenships.

Honours

Bene Merito honorary distinction, Poland (2026)