Bike Month and Bike/Walk to School Day Resolutions introduced in Missouri General Assembly

Representative Mike Sutherland of Warrenton, one of the biggest supporters of bicycling in the Missouri General Assembly, has introduced resolutions declaring May as Bike Month and October as Walk/Bike to School Month:

House Concurrent Resolution No. 35 . . .

Whereas, the bicycle is a viable and environmentally sound form of transportation and an excellent form of recreation; and

Whereas, millions of Missourians will experience the joys of bicycling during the month of May through educational programs, races, commuting events, trail work days, helmet promotion, charity events, or just getting out and going for a ride; and

Whereas, Missouri's Katy Trail attracts hundreds of thousands of bicyclists each year from all 50 states and from across the globe, providing economic, health, and scenic benefits to the citizens of Missouri and the world; and

Whereas, Missouri hosts four major cross-country bicycle tourism routes that attracts thousands of cross-country and local bicyclists each year, including the Mississippi River/Great Rivers Trail, the American Discovery Trail, the Lewis and Clark Trail, and the TransAmerican Trail; and

Whereas, the Tour of Missouri bicycle race is poised to again bring hundreds of world-class athletes and thousands of bicycle tourists to Missouri on September 8-14, 2008, and put Missouri's bicycling attractions and scenic countryside before a world stage; and . . .

Read the rest of the Bike Month Resolution here.

House Concurrent Resolution No. 34 . . .

Whereas, the health and safety of our children is of highest concern to the citizens of Missouri; and

Whereas, promoting safe and healthful walking and bicycling to school is important to Missouri students, parents, and teachers, and has been shown to improve student's health and academic performance; and

Whereas, hundreds of children could be saved from harm each year if communities take steps to make pedestrian safety a priority; and

Whereas, driving students to school by private vehicle contributes to traffic congestion and air pollution, creating over 25% of community traffic at the beginning and end of each school day; and

Read the rest of the Walk and Bike to School Month Resolution here.