May is Officially Bike Month in Virginia!

May is officially Bike month in Virginia according to Governor Terry McAuliffe.

Whereas, for more than a century, the bicycle has been an important part of the lives of many Americans, and today residents of all ages throughout our great Commonwealth engage in bicycling for transportation, recreation, and fitness; and

Whereas, bicycling is an efficient form of transportation and offers independent mobility for many Virginians traveling between work, school, and home, and the use of bicycles for transportation benefits all residents of Virginia, as it eases traffic congestion, produces no air pollution, and reduces the public funds needed for highway maintenance and construction; and

Whereas, bicycling is recognized as an activity that can reduce the onset of chronic disease and reduce the incidence of childhood obesity, and consideration of bicycling in public planning, through programs like Safe Routes to School, will help create healthier and more active communities in Virginia; and

Whereas, the Commonwealth, through the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School Program, has awarded more than $22 million to 525 million to 525 middle and elementary schools for projects and programs that encourage students to bicycle and walk to school; and

Whereas, bicycling offers a unique perspective from which residents and visitors may discover Virginia’s natural beauty, history, and culture, and

Whereas, a vase network of scenic rural roads and pleasant weather conditions make the Old Dominion a favorite tourist destination for bicycling enthusiasts; and

Whereas, the Commonwealth has a 838 miles in the U.S. Numbered Bicycle Route System, more than any other state; and

Whereas, the Commonwealth is fortunate to host the 2015 World Road Cycling Championships in Richmond, and many other competitive, recreational, and charitable bicycling events, each of which contributes to Virginia’s economy and well being; and