LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 16, 2014, as Bike to Work Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
days 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 to memori-
alize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 16, 2014, as Bike to Work
Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
National Bike Month; and
WHEREAS, National Bike Month includes an ever-expanding diversity of
events in communities nationwide but the biggest day of the month is
Bike to Work Day; and
WHEREAS, The mission of National 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, For more than a century, the bicycle has been an important
part of the lives of most Americans; today, millions of Americans engage
in bicycling as an environmentally sound form of transportation, an
excellent form of fitness, and quality family recreation; and
WHEREAS, Biking is an efficient and fun way to get the exercise you
need, without having to find extra time to work out; and
WHEREAS, Biking is green; it reduces your carbon footprint, reduces
traffic congestion and can save you money; when bicycling is substituted
for short auto trips, 3.6 pounds of pollutants per mile are not emitted
into the atmosphere, and 10 bikes can park in the space used by a single
motor vehicle; and
WHEREAS, More than half of our nation's population lives within five
miles of their workplace, making bicycling a feasible and fun way to get
to work; with increased interest in healthy, sustainable and economic
transportation options, it is not surprising that, from 2000 to 2011,
the number of bicycle commuters in the United States grew by more than
47 percent; and
WHEREAS, Among the 51 largest U.S. cities, 43 hosted Bike to Work Day
events in 2010; many people who participate in Bike to Work Day as
first-time commuters, become regular bike commuters; and
WHEREAS, Biking is healthy; active employees are more alert, take
fewer sick days, and are more productive; and
WHEREAS, Bicycle commuters get to work on time more often and are
happier and more productive; 80% of people who switch from sedentary
commuting to cycling improve their heart, lungs and blood vessels great-
ly in 6-8 weeks; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, over 66% of the adult United States population
is overweight and 32% of our nation is obese, costing America $68
billion in health care and personal costs annually; and
WHEREAS, Medical research has proven that a minimum of 30 minutes of
moderate physical activity three days a week can reduce the incidence of
heart disease, obesity, diabetes and hypertension and improve mental
health and cardio-vascular fitness; and
WHEREAS, Biking is fun and biking to work builds morale, encourages
camaraderie, and is a great way to get active in your community; 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, even for transportation; now, there-
fore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 16, 2014, as Bike
to Work Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.