2023 House Resolution 96

Whereas, An estimated two million Michiganders ride bicycles because they are a viable and environmentally sound form of transportation and recreation, an excellent form of fitness, and they help improve quality of life, sense of place, and connect us all as one Michigan; and

Whereas, Riding a bicycle is an excellent form of exercise that improves mental and physical health and is part of a healthy lifestyle for individuals; and

Whereas, Thousands of people throughout Michigan will experience the joys of bicycling during the month of May through educational programs, commuting events, trail workdays, helmet promotions, and charity rides; and

Whereas, Commuting by bicycle benefits both employees and employers through improved employee health and fitness and a reduction in commuting costs; and

Whereas, Bicycle commuting is an effective way to improve air quality, reduce traffic congestion, and conserve energy; and

Whereas, In 2023, 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 2014 MDOT report found that “bicycling provides an estimated $668 million per year in economic benefit to Michigan’s economy, including employment, retail revenue, tourism expenditure, improved health, and increased productivity”; and

Whereas, Bicyclists are legal roadway users and teaching bicyclists and motorists to co-exist on the road is important to ensure the safety and comfort of all users; and

Whereas, According to Smart Growth America (SGA) Michigan has one of the most complete streets efforts in place and ranks 6th in the with 108 polices statewide; and

Whereas, Michigan is known as the top trail state joining together our upper and lower peninsula with the greatest number of rail-trail mileage at more than 2,700 miles, along with nearly 2,000 miles of looped mountain biking trails on state-managed lands linking the vibrant city of Detroit to the majestic hills of Iron Mountain, in addition to the internationally recognized mountain biking trail network in Copper Harbor or the Slow Roll in Detroit; and

Whereas, Michigan has thirteen recognized Bicycle Friendly Communities, nine Bicycle Friendly Universities, thirty-two Bicycle Friendly Businesses, is ranked as the 11th most Bicycle Friendly State by the League of American Bicyclists, and has been recognized as having one of the oldest known established bike clubs formed in the late 1800’s; and

Whereas, Michigan has hundreds of bicycle shops and dozens of bike clubs and bicycle-related industries; and

Whereas, Michigan has three officially designated cross state U.S. Bicycle Routes (USBR). These cross-state USBR total nearly 1,000 miles; and

Whereas, Michigan is a leader of inclusive cycling opportunities which demonstrate that 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 MDOT) and Woodward Avenue becoming the first mile of concrete highway in the world; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare May 2023 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 Jocelyn Benson.