Proclamation
WHEREAS, for more than a century, the bicycle has been an important part of the lives of many Americans, and, today, millions of Americans engage in bicycling to commute to work or school; to achieve and maintain physical fitness; and to recreate with family and friends; and, WHEREAS, the education of cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists as to the proper and safe interaction of traffic is important to ensure the safety and comfort of all roadway users and to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities for all; and, WHEREAS, in 2009, the City established a Bicycle Advisory Commission to serve as an advisory body to improve conditions for bicyclists; to promote bicycling as a means of transportation; to improve safety conditions for bicyclists; and to help implement policy, programs, and bikeway infrastructure for all ages and users; which now acts as a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission serving users of all modes of Active Transportation in Merced; and, WHEREAS, the City seeks to increase the visibility of the benefits of bicycling, including but not limited to improved fitness for cyclists and an overall reduction in motorized trips, which leads to reductions in greenhouse gases and noise as well as improved traffic flow and air quality for all; and WHEREAS, the Merced Bicycle Coalition and independent cyclists throughout our City are promoting greater public awareness of bicycle operation and safety education in an effort to make bicycling a safe and normal means of transportation; NOW, THEREFORE, I, MATT SERRATO, Mayor of the City of Merced, on behalf of the City Council, and the City of Merced Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2023 as BIKE MONTH throughout the City, and further proclaim Friday, May 19, 2023, as BIKE-TO-WORK DAY and BIKE-TO-SCHOOL DAY, and urge all Citizens of Merced to recognize the importance of bicycling for transportation and recreation, and urge everyone to be more aware of cyclists using our public streets.
Signed this 1st day of May, 2023
Matt Serrato, Mayor of Merced