Rep. Schmidt offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 370.  

A resolution to declare May 2014 as Bike Month in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, An estimated two million Michiganders ride bicycles because they are a viable and environmentally sound form of transportation and recreation, an excellent form of fitness, and help improve quality of life and 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 2014, 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; and

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

            Whereas, Michigan has the most complete streets efforts in the nation with at least 94 local ordinances, resolutions, and policies that ensure bicyclists will be accommodated in future transportation projects; and

            Whereas, Michigan is known as the top trail state with the greatest number of rail-trail mileage at 2,712 miles, along with 1,600 miles of looped mountain biking trails on state-managed lands, and an internationally recognized mountain biking trail network in Copper Harbor; and

            Whereas, Michigan has eight recognized bicycle friendly communities, four bicycle friendly universities, seventeen bicycle friendly businesses, and is ranked as the 12th most bicycle friendly state by the League of American Bicyclists; and

            Whereas, Michigan has over 200 bicycle shops, 70 bike clubs, and 30 bicycle-related industries; and

            Whereas, Michigan has two officially designated cross state U.S. Bicycle Routes (USBR) totaling more than 800 miles, the second highest amount in the nation, and was the first state in the country to have newly designated north-south and east-west USBRs; and

            Whereas, The League of Michigan Bicyclists, in cooperation with Amtrak and MDOT, successfully launched roll-on bicycle service in 2013 on the Amtrak Blue Water Route between Port Huron, MI and Chicago, IL; and

            Whereas, Michigan annually hosts the most Ride of Silence events in the world, an international event that honors injured and killed cyclists, including those involved in the 20,800 bicycle crashes resulting in 255 fatalities in Michigan over the past 10 years; and

            Whereas, Michigan is the leader of inclusive cycling opportunities, through education and events such as the IRide, Ability Tour, and Celebration of Cycling, which demonstrate everyone can ride; 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, Michigan Mountain Biking Association, and Programs to Educate All Cyclists 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 2014 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.