CITY OF SEBASTOPOL
Proclamation
Proclaiming Declaring May 2023 as Bike to Work Month and May 18, 2023 as Bike to Work Day
Whereas, the bicycle is a healthy, convenient, financially and environmentally sound form of transportation and an excellent tool for recreation and enjoyment of Sebastopol’s scenic beauty, local attractions, and friendly neighborhoods; and
Whereas, Sebastopol’s roads and trails attract bicyclists each year, providing economic health, transportation, tourism, and scenic benefits; and
Whereas, creating a bicycling-friendly community has been shown to improve citizens’ health, well-being, and quality of life, growing the economy of Sebastopol, attracting tourism dollars, improving traffic safety, supporting student health and learning, and reducing pollution, congestion, and wear and tear on our streets and roads; and
Whereas, since 2001 the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition has been promoting bicycling for transportation and recreation through education, encouragement and advocacy; and Whereas, thousands of Sonoma County’s schoolchildren have received classroom instruction in bicycle and pedestrian safety and participated in skill-building Bike Rodeos facilitated by the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition’s Safe Routes to School program; and Whereas, the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition’s Smart Cycling program has taught bicycle safety skills to thousands of adults, including a diversion program for recipients of cycling-related traffic citations; and
Whereas, the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition has produced numerous events and activities encouraging residents to ride a bicycle, including Bike Expos, Ciclovías, bike film nights, bike swap meets, community rides, giveaways of bicycles and bicycle safety equipment, repair clinics, and Bike to Work Month; and
Whereas, the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition, the League of American Bicyclists, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and jurisdictions throughout the Bay Area will be promoting bicycling during the month of May 2023; and
Whereas, throughout the month of May, the residents of Sebastopol and its visitors can experience the joys of bicycling through free educational programs, challenges, and events, organized by these groups; and
Whereas, these groups are also promoting greater public awareness of bicycle operation and safety education in an effort to reduce collisions, injuries, and fatalities and improve health and safety for everyone on the road;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Sebastopol City Council does hereby recognize the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition and commends the institution for its contributions to the community, and
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that I, Mayor Neysa Hinton, on behalf of the Sebastopol City Council does hereby proclaim May 2023 as Bike to Work Month and May 18, 2023 as Bike to Work Day in Sebastopol, and urge all residents to participate in this special observance.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the Great Seal of the City of Sebastopol this 2nd day of May 2023.
----------------------------------------------------------- Neysa Hinton, Mayor