Title
Special Recognition - Proclamation Recognizing Bicycle Commuter Month
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to proclaim May as Bicycle Commuter Month
Report
Issue:
Whether to proclaim May as Bicycle Commuter Month
Staff Contact:
Michelle Swanson, AICP, Senior Program Specialist, Public Works | Transportation, 360.753.8575.
Presenter(s):
Duncan Green, Intercity Transit, Bicycle Commuter Challenge Coordinator
Background and Analysis:
The 30th Annual Thurston County Bicycle Commuter Challenge (BCC) happens in May. Duncan Green from Intercity Transit, which runs the BCC, will be on hand to receive the proclamation.
Last year, 1,175 people in Thurston County took part in the BCC. They biked a total of 108,017 miles to places like stores, work, and school. This prevented about 54 tons of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere, reduced wear and tear on our streets, and prevented toxins from going into the water.
Among those participating were 39 City employees and their children, who rode a total of 3,278 miles and prevented about 1.53 tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
In response to concerns raised during last year’s BCC, the City is investing in the bike lane network this year. These projects include:
• Extending the bike lane on Cooper Point/Auto Mall Road to Caton Way
• Patching the bike lanes on Martin Way, between Pacific Ave and Ensign Road
City staff will also work with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) to identify additional small-scale fixes to the bike lane network.
For 30 years, the BCC has introduced people to riding bicycles to run errands, visit friends, go to work, and go to school. Now, some of the original participants’ children are riding in the BCC, continuing the tradition of demonstrating that the bicycle is a viable way of getting around.
Attachments:
Proclamation