May, National Bike Month...

2008 May is Bike Month Proclamation

WHEREAS, for more than a century, the bicycle has been an important part of the lives of many Americans, and today residents of all ages throughout our great Commonwealth
engage in bicycling for transportation, recreation, fitness, and fun; and

WHEREAS, bicycling is the most efficient form of transportation and offers independent mobility for many Virginians traveling between work, school, and home, and the use of bicycles for transportation benefits all residents of Virginia by easing traffic congestion, reducing air pollution, and saving highway construction dollars; and

WHEREAS, bicycling is recognized as an activity that can reduce the onset of chronic
disease and reduce childhood obesity, and consideration of bicycling in transportation
and land use planning, and in programs such as Safe Routes to School will help create
healthier and more active communities in Virginia; and

WHEREAS, bicycling offers a unique perspective from which residents and visitors may discover Virginia’s natural beauty, history, and culture, and a vast network of scenic rural
roads and pleasant weather conditions make the Old Dominion a favorite destination for
bicycling enthusiasts; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth contains more miles of the U.S. Numbered Bicycle
Route System than any other state, and is the only place where two routes intersect, and
Virginia is fortunate to play host to many organized recreational, charitable, and
competitive bicycling events, each of which contributes much to Virginia’s economy; and

WHEREAS, Bike Month provides an opportunity to increase public awareness of the many benefits of bicycling, to promote bicycle safety, and to encourage bike riding
through organized activities such as Bike-to-Work events, club rides, family rides, and bike rodeos for children;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Timothy M. Kaine, do hereby recognize May 2008 as BIKE MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our itizens.