Full Text
Bike Month Proclamation WHEREAS, Bicycling has been an affordable, environmentally-sound mode of transportation, excellent form of exercise, and fun recreation since the first pedal-propelled bicycle appeared in the 1860s; and WHEREAS, 77% of commuters in China bicycle to work, compared to 50% in the Netherlands, 15% in Japan, and just 1.6% in the U.S.; and WHEREAS, Six percent of Moscow residents choose bicycles for their longest commutes, and many more adults here use bicycles for at least part of their commuting; and WHEREAS, Local government is committed to educating motorists and cyclists about safe vehicle operation to reduce accidents, injuries and fatalities; and WHEREAS, Bicycling contributes to retail sales, tourism dollars, and planning, infrastructure, and policies that support community livability; and WHEREAS, Bicycling reduces heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, and improves mental health and cardio-vascular fitness; and WHEREAS, Moscow supports the objectives of Let’s Move!, Safe Routes to School, Complete Streets, Fill the Racks, the Officer Newbill Kids’ Safety Fair, and more; and WHEREAS, Moscow’s Bike for Life Committee, with representatives from healthcare, government, education, families, businesses, and environmental interests, has coordinated a variety of very cool cycling activities around Moscow this spring, and listed them on the Bike for Life website; and WHEREAS, Our region is gaining favorable recognition for bicycle-friendly accommodations, including Moscow’s new Intermodal Transit Center, more convenient and functional bike racks, and a growing network of bicycle-pedestrian trails; and WHEREAS, National Bike Month began in May 1956; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bill Lambert, Mayor for the city of Moscow, do hereby proclaim May 2015 to be BIKE MONTH in Moscow, and I urge everyone who can to cycle to work, school, shopping, and errands, or simply for pleasure, to improve health and find refreshment and invigoration; to lessen adverse impacts on climate; and to reduce transportation costs. DATED this 4th day of May, 2015 Bill Lambert, Mayor