WHEREAS the bicycle is an economical, clean, healthy and convenient form of transportation and an excellent tool for the recreation and enjoyment of Brantford’s scenic beauty; and

WHEREAS more use of the bicycle for transportation can improve the quality of life for citizens in Brantford; and

WHEREAS the Province has made cycling a strategic priority to make Ontario the top cycling Province in the country and in the top 10 world wide by 2033; and

WHEREAS creating a bicycle friendly community generates a wide range of health, economic, environmental and social benefits. These include improved personal health, reduced health care costs as a result of active living, reduced traffic congestion, a cleaner environment and increased tourism opportunities across the City; and

WHEREAS supporting and encouraging students to ride their bikes to school can help children reach their daily requirements of physical activity, gain independence, and help influence the transportation choices in the City for our future generations; and

WHEREAS workplaces that support and encourage employees to commute by bike have the noted benefits of increased employee productivity, reduced employee turnover, a boosted corporate image and overall happier and more satisfied employees; and

WHEREAS the City of Brantford, the Brant Cycling Club and the Brant County Health Unit have partnered together to plan a month full of bicycle activities such as: Let’s Ride a Bike workshop, Brantford Rotary Bike Park Grand Opening, Try-A-Ride guided rides, Yoga for Cyclists, and many more; and

WHEREAS thousands of Brantford residents will experience the joys of bicycling during the month of June through encouragement and educational programming, commuting events, guided rides, helmet promotions, and simply by just getting out and going for a bike ride; and

WHEREAS our local bike organization, the Brant Cycling Club, will be holding its first night of the Youth Mountain Bike Program, and also “Try-a-Ride” sessions both starting at the Brantford Rotary Bike Park on Monday June 3rd; and

WHEREAS Brantford is home to a strong and growing bicycle culture, an expanding infrastructure network, state of the art facilities like the Brantford Rotary Bike Park, and home to three sections of the Trans Canada Trail that attracts thousands of cross-country, regional and local bicyclists each year; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of The Corporation of the City of Brantford hereby proclaims the month of June as “Bike Month” in the City of Brantford; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Council of The Corporation of the City of Brantford encourages all residents to participate in bike month activities taking place around the community and reminds all citizens to “Share the Road” safely with bicyclists.