LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 2011, as Bike Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
months that are set aside to increase awareness of issues that affect
the lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to memori-
alize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2011, as Bike Month in
the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The mission of Bike Month is to support a safe and healthy
transportation alternative that is paramount to achieving sustainability
and enhancing the quality of life in New York State; and
WHEREAS, In conjunction with Bike Month are events to promote bicycl-
ing including the National Ride of Silence on May 18, 2011, The Commuter
Contest on May 19, 2011, and the National Bike-to-Work Day on May 20,
2011; and
WHEREAS, In 2005, nearly 25% of major injuries and fatalities on New
York roadways were pedestrians and bicyclists, approximately twice the
national average; and
WHEREAS. Surveys indicate the number one reason people do not cycle as
a mode of transportation is due to a fear of sharing the roadway with
automobiles; addressing concerns about personal safety and comfort on
behalf of bicyclists is key to creating a State where cycling is recog-
nized as both a mode of transportation and a recreational activity; and
WHEREAS, Section 152 of the New York State Traffic Law defines "traf-
fic" as "Pedestrians..., vehicles, bicycles and other conveyances either
singly or together while using the highway for the purpose of travel";
and
WHEREAS, In summary, three key components of the New York State Traf-
fic Law which directly relate to bicycling are: bicyclists must ride
with traffic and thus travel in the same direction as motor vehicles; a
bicycle is a vehicle and as such must observe all traffic laws and obey
all signals, signs, and pavement markings; bicyclists must signal to
turn on a roadway, a bike lane or bike path; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that all motorists and bicyclists follow New
York State's Vehicle and Traffic Law and share the road respectfully and
responsibly with bicyclists; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to ensure and
strengthen the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law to improve safety for
all bicyclists; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2011, as Bike Month
in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.