Title
Resolution Declaring the Month of May as ’Bike Month’ in Greensboro
Body
Department: Transportation
Council District: Citywide
Public Hearing: N/A
Advertising Date/By: N/A
Contact 1 and Phone: Adam Fischer, 373-2861
Contact 2 and Phone: Tyler Meyer, 373-2254
PURPOSE:
GDOT recommends that May 2017 be declared as Bike Month in Greensboro to increase awareness of the benefits of bicycling to health, fitness, well-being, improved quality of life and the environment. The Bike Month designation will help promote a program of community bicycle-related activities throughout the month, along with highlighting the recent update of the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Master Plan (BiPed) and the City’s efforts to install 75 miles of bicycle lanes.
BACKGROUND:
For the past 60 years, the League of American Bicyclists has sponsored National Bike Month in May. National Bike Month is an opportunity to celebrate the bicycle and the many reasons why people ride. GDOT, GPD, Bicycling in Greensboro (BIG), Downtown Greensboro, Inc., Action Greensboro, Safe Kids Guilford County, advocates, and many community organizations are working together to assemble a calendar of events for children and adults to celebrate bicycling and learn more about bicycling, bicycle safety, and how bicyclists and motorists can share the road responsibly.
Since the adoption of the first BiPed Plan in 2006, the City of Greensboro has observed May as Bike Month to commemorate and raise awareness of the significant efforts the City of Greensboro and the community have made to improve conditions for bicyclists in the area. The League of American Bicyclists awarded the City the status of Bronze Level Bike Friendly Community for 2013-2017 in recognition of these efforts, and the City must re-apply for this designation in summer 2017. With the direction of the 2015 BiPed Plan Update, in conjunction with increased resurfacing funds, GDOT is working diligently to add 75 miles of bicycle lanes to City streets by the end of 2022 to improve the safety of bicycling in the City and promote it as an alternative transportation option.
BUDGET IMPACT:
No additional City funds are required.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
The Department of Transportation recommends and requests that City Council approve the attached resolution declaring the month of May as Bike Month in Greensboro.