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National Bike Month Proclamation WHEREAS, The first pedal-propelled bicycle appeared in the 1860s and its predecessor, the Velocipede or dandy horse, was developed in 1817; and WHEREAS, According to the League of American Bicyclists, National Bike Month began in May 1956; and WHEREAS, Today, millions of Americans engage in bicycling as environmentally-sound affordable transportation, excellent exercise, and wholesome family recreation; and WHEREAS, Moscow is among the top 1% in the nation for bike-to-work commuting, with 9% of residents using bicycling as the usual method of transportation for their longest commutes; and WHEREAS, The City of Moscow is committed to the objectives of the National Let’s Move! Initiative, Safe Routes 2 School, Idaho Active Living Task Force, and Complete Streets Program; and WHEREAS, Enhanced awareness and education of cyclists and motorists reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities, and contribute to comfort and safety; and WHEREAS, Bicycling reduces the incidence of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, and improves mental health and cardio-vascular fitness; and WHEREAS, Representatives of healthcare, local government, education, families, business interests, and others are working together to coordinate Bike-4-Life activities around Moscow this spring; and WHEREAS, Transportation Secretary LaHood recommends going beyond minimum design standards and requirements, to create safe, attractive, sustainable, accessible, and convenient bicycling and walking networks; and WHEREAS, Our region is gaining favorable recognition for bicycle-friendly accommodations and the growing network of bicycle-pedestrian trails, including the Paradise Path, Chipman Trail, and Latah Trail; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Nancy Chaney, Mayor of the city of Moscow, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2011 to be: NATIONAL BIKE MONTH in the City of Moscow, and I urge all citizens to celebrate by biking to work or school, to run errands, or simply for pleasure, to improve their health and find refreshment, invigoration, and renewal in their lives. DATED this 2nd day of May, 2011 Nancy Chaney, Mayor Copy Copy Copy