J 197: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 16, 2025, as Bike to Work Day in the State of New York

 Senate Resolution No. 197 BY: Senator PARKER MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 16, 2025, as Bike to Work Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official days 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 memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 16, 2025, as Bike to Work Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Bike Month; and WHEREAS, May is National Bike Month, sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities coast to coast; and WHEREAS, Established in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling and to encourage more people to give it a try; and WHEREAS, National Bike Month includes an ever-expanding diversity of events in communities nationwide but the biggest day of the month is Bike to Work Day; and WHEREAS, The mission of National 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, For more than a century, the bicycle has been an important part of the lives of most Americans; today, millions of Americans engage in bicycling as an environmentally sound form of transportation, an excellent form of fitness, and quality family recreation; and WHEREAS, Biking is an efficient and fun way to get the exercise you need, without having to find extra time to work out; and WHEREAS, Biking is green; it reduces your carbon footprint, reduces traffic congestion and can save you money; when bicycling is substituted for short auto trips, 3.6 pounds of pollutants per mile are not emitted into the atmosphere, and 10 bikes can park in the space used by a single motor vehicle; and WHEREAS, More than half of our nation's population lives within five miles of their workplace, making bicycling a feasible and fun way to get to work; with increased interest in healthy, sustainable and economic transportation options, it is not surprising that, from 2000 to 2013, the number of bicycle commuters in the United States grew by more than 62%; and WHEREAS, Among the 51 largest U.S. cities, 43 host Bike to Work Day events; many people who participate in Bike to Work Day as first-time commuters, become regular bike commuters; and WHEREAS, Biking is healthy; active employees are more alert, take fewer sick days, and are more productive; and WHEREAS, Bicycle commuters get to work on time more often and are happier and more productive; 80% of people who switch from sedentary commuting to cycling improve their heart, lungs and blood vessels greatly in 6-8 weeks; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, over 66% of the adult United States population is overweight and 32% of our nation is obese, costing America $68 billion in health care and personal costs annually; and WHEREAS, Medical research has proven that a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity three days a week can reduce the incidence of heart disease, obesity, diabetes and hypertension and improve mental health and cardio-vascular fitness; and WHEREAS, Biking is fun and biking to work builds morale, encourages camaraderie, and is a great way to get active in your community; and WHEREAS, It is essential that there be greater public awareness of the benefits to bicycling, and all New Yorkers are urged to bike to work, or try cycling for fun, for fitness, even for transportation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 16, 2025, as Bike to Work Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.