HARRISBURG, Pa. – Gov. Tom Wolf issued a proclamation commemorating May 11 to 15 as Bike to Work Week as representatives from five state agencies joined other state and local officials today in kicking off the week with an executive ride around Harrisburg.
“We want to showcase that biking can be a healthy way to improve your lifestyle and in some cases can be a commuting option,” said Scott Christie, deputy secretary for Highway Administration in the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). “PennDOT has responsibilities across the travel modes, and we continue to make progress around the state to enhance the bicycling experience.”
Besides Christie, other officials who were to join the event included: Cindy A. Dunn, Acting Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; Martin Raniowski, deputy secretary for Health Planning and Assessment in the Department of Health; Rep. Madeleine Dean of Montgomery County, sponsor of a resolution for Bike to Work Week; Rep. David Maloney of Berks County, sponsor of House Bill 150, which provided the Share the Road license plate; Mayor Eric Papenfuse of Harrisburg; and Geoffrey Knight, director of the Harrisburg Bureau of Planning.
The importance of ensuring the continued development of safe options for riders was an integral point in the event’s message.
“As we review our recently completed statewide outdoor recreation plan, one overwhelming request of the public stands out: more requests for bike lanes and paths where bicyclists can safely pursue their passion,” said DCNR Acting Secretary, Cindy Adams Dunn. “DCNR’s grant program stands ready to help communities with funding and technical assistance to improve trails for recreation and transportation purposes.”
The event also emphasized the health benefits of commuting via bicycle in Pennsylvania.
“We all have to commute to work nearly every day. Incorporating biking is great exercise and a fun way to get to work,” said Martin Raniowski, deputy secretary for Health Planning and Assessment for the Pennsylvania Department of Health. “Biking can help reduce obesity and increase cardiovascular health.”
Act 89, Pennsylvania’s New Transportation Funding Law, was cited as a cornerstone of success for all multimodal efforts.
Recognizing the importance of Act 89, Rep. Madeleine Dean commented, “Pennsylvania has an opportunity to redefine its transportation system with multimodal funding available through Act 89 of 2013. As legislators, we must seek to promote energy efficient and eco-friendly means of transportation and strive to increase Pennsylvanian’s quality of life by creating more livable, forward-thinking communities. Bicycling is an integral part of these plans.”
Rep. David Maloney, recognizing the need for all Pennsylvanians to acknowledge cyclists’ rights to the roadways said, “Our population is growing and we need to be more aware of who and what is around us at all times.”
Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse highlighted the capital city’s efforts on behalf of Ride Your Bike to Work Week. “I applaud this initiative to encourage people to bike to work to promote better health and protect our environment,” said Mayor Eric Papenfuse. “Harrisburg is a wonderful place to bike, and we are working to make our streets safe and welcoming to bicyclists.”
For more information on bicycle safety, visit www.JustDrivePA.com.
Proclamation: Bike to Work Day
WHEREAS, Citizens and visitors of all ages engage in bicycling for transportation, recreation, fitness and sport around this great Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, bicycling offers a unique perspective from which we can discover Pennsylvania’s scenic beauty, history and culture as we travel on our rural roads and through our historic towns, villages and cities; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania has an abundance of designated highway bicycle routes and roadways used for recreation and transportation; and
WHEREAS, using a bicycle as a mode of transportation helps to reduce pollution and congestion and improve cyclists’ health; and
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania joins states across the nation in celebrating May 15, 2015 as Bike to Work Day. Events and activities scheduled for this day reaffirm our commitment to the value and benefit of using bicycles for recreation and transportation, and emphasize the health and economic benefits derived from using this form of recreation and transportation throughout the Commonwealth.
THEREFORE, In recognition of May 2015 as National Bike Month, and May 11-15, 2015 as Bike to Work Week, I, Tom Wolf, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2015 as BIKE TO WORK DAY. I urge Pennsylvania employers to recognize the importance of encouraging and supporting the use of bicycling to our buildings, offices and public places by our employees and visitors alike.
Given under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, on this fourth day of May in the Year of our Lord two thousand and fifteen, and of the Commonwealth the two-hundred and thirty-ninth.
TOM WOLF
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