Rep. Santana offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 77. 

A resolution to declare May 2011 as Bike Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, An estimated two million Michiganders ride bicycles because it is a viable and environmentally-sound form of transportation and recreation, an excellent form of fitness and provides quality of life and a sense of place; and
            Whereas, Thousands of people throughout Michigan will experience the joys of bicycling during the month of May through educational programs, commuting events, trail work days, helmet promotions, and charity rides; and

Whereas, In 2011, thousands of cyclists from across the country will participate in over

300 organized Michigan cycling events to experience our beautiful scenery, many parks, attractions, and historic sites; and

Whereas, Bicyclists are recognized as legitimate roadway users with the same rights and responsibilities as automobile drivers; and

            Whereas, Teaching bicyclists and motorists to share the road is important to ensure the safety and comfort of all users; and

            Whereas, Michigan currently has the most mileage of rail-trails in the nation; and

            Whereas, Michigan has seven nationally recognized Bicycles Friendly Communities, one Bicycle Friendly University and numerous Bicycle Friendly Businesses; and

Whereas, Michigan currently has the most complete streets policies in the nation with at least 40 local ordinances and resolutions that ensure bicyclists will be accommodated in future transportation projects; and

Whereas, Michigan annually hosts the most Ride of Silence events in the world, an international event to honor injured and killed cyclists; and
            Whereas, Michigan recently applied to have the first US Bike Route in the country since 1983; and

            Whereas, Michigan’s own Horatio Earle led the Good Roads Movement that banded millions of American bicyclists together to promote safer cycling which resulted in the creation of the Michigan State Highway Department (now MDOT) and Woodward Ave becoming the first mile of concrete highway in the world; and

            Whereas, May has been declared National Bike Month by the League of Michigan Bicyclists, Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance and the Michigan Mountain Biking Association to increase awareness about bicycling opportunities through organized activities such as bike-to-work days and bicycle rodeos for children; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body

declare May 2011 as Bike Month in the state of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Secretary of State Ruth Johnson.