SR-60, As Adopted by Senate, May 20, 2015

            Senator Schmidt offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 60.

A resolution to recognize May 2015 as Bike Month.

 Whereas, An estimated 2 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 2015, thousands of cyclists from across the country will participate in hundreds of organized Michigan cycling events to experience our beautiful scenery, many parks, attractions, and historic sites; and

Whereas, A Michigan Department of Transportation study recently reported that cycling tourists provide $668 million per year in economic benefit to Michigan's economy, including employment, retail revenue, tourism expenditure, and increased health and productivity; and

Whereas, Bicyclists are recognized as legitimate roadway users. 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 more than 96 local ordinances, resolutions, and policies that ensure bicyclists will be accommodated in future transportation projects; and

Whereas, Michigan is known as the No.1 trail state, with the greatest number of rail-trail mileage at more than 2,700 miles, along with 1,600 miles of looped mountain biking trails on state-managed lands, in addition to the internationally-recognized mountain biking trail network in Copper Harbor; and

 Whereas, Ranked as the 14th most Bicycle Friendly State by the League of American Bicyclists, Michigan has 10 recognized Bicycle Friendly Communities, 4 Bicycle Friendly Universities, and 17 Bicycle Friendly Businesses; and

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

Whereas, Michigan has three officially designated cross state U.S. Bicycle Routes (USBR), totaling more than 1,000 miles, and was the first state in the country to have newly-designated north-south and east-west USBRs; and

 Whereas, Through education and events such as the IRide, Ability Tour, and Celebration of Cycling, Michigan is the leader of inclusive cycling opportunities 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 Michigan Department of Transportation) and Woodward Avenue becoming the first mile of concrete highway in the world; and

Whereas, The month of 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 Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize May 2015 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.