Senate Resolution No. 1096

BY: Senator MAY

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 2023, as Bike Month in the State of New York, in
conjunction with National Bike Month

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of issues that
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body
memorialize to Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2023, as Bike Month
in the State of New York, in conjunction with National Bike Month; and

WHEREAS, May is National Bike Month, sponsored by the League of
American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities coast to coast; New
York and its visitors are encouraged to experience the joys of bicycling
through educational programs, races, commuting events, charity events,
or by simply getting out and going for a ride; and

WHEREAS, Established in 1956, Bike Month is a chance to showcase the
many benefits of bicycling and to encourage more people to give it a
try; and

WHEREAS, The mission of Bike Month is to support a safe and healthy
transportation alternative that is paramount to achieving sustainability
and enhancing the quality of life in New York State; and

WHEREAS, The bicycle is an economical, healthy, convenient, and
environmentally sound form of transportation and an excellent tool for
recreation and enjoyment of New York State's scenic beauty; and

WHEREAS, Creating a bicycling-friendly community has been shown to
improve citizen's health, well-being, and quality of life, growing the
economy of New York State, attracting tourism dollars, improving traffic
safety, supporting student learning outcomes, and reducing pollution,
congestion, and wear and tear on our streets and roads; and

WHEREAS, All States require bicyclists on the roadway to follow the
same rules and responsibilities as motorists; there are two main types
of crashes involving bicycles, the most common are falls and the most
serious are with vehicles; and

WHEREAS, In 2023, there are so many ways to celebrate Bike Month:
with a commute during Bike to Work Day, biking to coffee or around the
block, riding on May 7 for National Ride A Bike Day, and staying safe on
the roadways by following Bike Safety Month; and

WHEREAS, Bike Month promotes greater public awareness of bicycle
operation and safety education in an effort to reduce collisions,
injuries, and fatalities and improve health and safety for everyone on
the road; and

WHEREAS, There are many ways to stay safe while biking, including:
always wear a properly-fitted helmet that meets the Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC) standards; check your bike equipment before
heading out; ride in the same direction as traffic; obey traffic signs,
signals, and lane markings; signal all turns; and follow local laws; and

WHEREAS, Motorists are responsible for keeping bikers safe as well,
they should pass bicyclists on the road with care and allow at least
three feet of clearance, look for cyclists before opening a car door,
pulling out of a parking space, or before making turns, and yield to
bicyclists at intersections and as directed by signs and signals; and

WHEREAS, It is essential that there be greater public awareness of
the benefits to bicycling, and all New Yorkers are urged to bike to
work, or try cycling for fun, for fitness, and for transportation; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2023, as Bike Month in
the State of New York, in conjunction with National Bike Month; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.