Res. No. 513
Resolution to declare June 3 in New York City as World Bicycle Day.
By Council Members Menin, Won, Restler, Bottcher, Cabán, Louis, Hanif, Hudson, Riley and Ung
Whereas, According to the World Economic Forum, an estimated two billion bicycles are being used around the world, and that number could increase to five billion by 2050; and
Whereas, In New York City (NYC), according to the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT), in 2021, there were an estimated: 55,000 daily bike commuters to work; 110,000 daily bike commute trips to work; 550,000 total daily cycling trips; and 200.8 million total annual cycling trips; and
Whereas, According to the same DOT data, there has been an increasing trend in annual growth of commuters who travel by bicycle in NYC, noting a 104% increase in daily cycling between 2011 and 2021, and a 20% increase in daily cycling between 2016 and 2021; and
Whereas, In an effort to acknowledge the uniqueness of the bicycle and its ability for people across all countries and cultures to engage in a simple, affordable, and clean means of transportation, which improves environmental stewardship and health, in 2018, the United Nations (UN) established June 3 as World Bicycle Day; and
Whereas, According to the UN, World Bicycle Day is a means to encourage all people to utilize bicycles, while “fostering sustainable development, strengthening education, including physical education, for children and young people, promoting health, preventing disease, promoting tolerance, mutual understanding and respect, and facilitating social inclusion and a culture of peace;” and
Whereas, In addition, the UN has welcomed ways in which to organize bicycle rides at national and local levels to expand the mental, physical and cultural benefits of cycling in society; and
Whereas, As cycling is an important aspect of New Yorkers’ daily lives, declaring June 3 as World Bicycle Day in NYC would continue to expand on the importance of the bicycle to all people; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York declares June 3 in New York City as World Bicycle Day.
KK
LS 11774
2/13/23