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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
21-211
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
May 3, 2016
To acknowledge the District’s investment and interest in cycling as a means of transportation, to recognize the significant health and environmental benefits of commuting to work by bicycle, and to declare May 20, 2016 as “National Bike to Work Day” in the District of Columbia.
WHEREAS, regular cycling has been shown to reduce an individual’s annual health care costs, decrease absenteeism from work, and increase productivity during the day;
WHEREAS, bicycle commuting is an effective means to improve air quality, reduce traffic congestion and noise pollution, and conserve energy;
WHEREAS, the Sustainable DC Plan has set a goal of having 25% of all commutes occur via bicycle and walking by 2032, and the current rate is 16%;
WHEREAS, since 2007, the number of everyday bike commuters in the District of Columbia has nearly doubled, totaling 3.5% of commuters;
WHEREAS, the District Department of Transportation will install 6 new miles of bikeways in 2016 to include cycle tracks, bike lanes, and climbing lanes across the District;
WHEREAS, between 2004 and 2012, as the bike lane network increased in the District by 300%, the number of cyclists counted along prominent corridors during morning and evening rush hours increased by 175%;
WHEREAS, 2015’s Bike to Work Day garnered a record breaking 17,500 participants in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, which represented a 4% increase from the previous year; and
WHEREAS, Bike to Work Day is free for participants and encourages first-time bike commuters to participate by organizing commuter convoys and buddy riders.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “National Bike to Work Day Recognition Resolution of 2016”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia encourages cycling as a viable mode of transportation and supports the expansion of biking infrastructure. Recognizing that cycling on a regular basis is a benefit to one’s health and contributes to the sustainability of the District, the Council declares May 20, 2016 as “National Bike to Work Day” in the District of Columbia.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.
