LANSING – The Michigan House of Representatives recently passed a resolution sponsored by State Representative Harvey Santana (D-Detroit) to recognize May as Bike Month in Michigan.
“I’m proud that the House passed this resolution to help me encourage others to discover the love of biking that I share with countless cyclists in our great state,” Santana said. “Biking to work is an efficient and fun way to get the exercise you need without having to find extra time to work out, as well as a great way to get around town. And this year, with gasoline prices as high as they are, biking to work makes more sense than ever.”
Santana added that while many people think of country roads as a great place to bike, he looks at his own west side Detroit neighborhood as the perfect spot to enjoy a few miles of biking.
“The Tenth District is a perfect place to enjoy biking with Rouge Park being a major part of the district,” he said. “It contains many miles of paved and unpaved trails that residents can safely enjoy. Spring has sprung and the warm weather beckons all of us to get outdoors and enjoy it.”
Santana’s resolution is just part of the focus on biking in Michigan this month. The League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB), Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance (MTGA) and Michigan Mountain Biking Association (MMBA) recently announced that May 16-20 is Bike to Work Week, and Friday, May 20, is Bike to Work Day.
Bike Month will culminate on Wednesday, May 25, at the State Capitol where all three organizations will co-host the Lucinda Means Bicycle Advocacy Day. The event is an opportunity for all cyclists across the state to join together with one voice to promote cyclists’ needs to their local legislators.
“Commuting by bicycle is rewarding on so many levels,” said Rich Moeller, Executive Director of the League of Michigan Bicyclists. “Whether it is improved health, helping the environment, saving on soaring energy costs, or simply enjoying a ride, it is worth being part of the solution.”
National Bike Month has been celebrated across the country each May for 55 years. Timed to coincide with the arrival of warmer weather, the event has inspired countless bike rides, safety inspections, commuter challenges, ribbon cuttings, “share the road” promotions, and other celebrations of bicycling in communities across the nation. One of the most popular activities in Bike Month is encouraging people to bicycle to work and avoid using their motor vehicles for at least one day.
“I look forward to meeting any Michigan and Tenth District residents who come to the Capitol on May 25 for Michigan’s Bicycle Advocacy Day,” Santana said.