WHEREAS, Alaska offers breathtaking scenery for biking and recreation on a multitude of roads and trails; and

WHEREAS, established in 1956 and sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists, May is National Bike Month and is celebrated in communities across the United States to encourage more people to give biking a try; and

WHEREAS , inadequate levels of physical activity have cost our Country $117 billion in annual healthcare expenses, and exercise can reduce the risk of at least 20 chronic diseases and conditions and provide effective treatment for many of these conditions; and

WHEREAS, whether you bike to commute, to save money or time, to preserve your health, to reduce carbon emissions, or simply to explore your community, biking is an opportunity to experience the outdoors in an enriching and fun way; and

WHEREAS, when cycling infrastructure connects people to places they regularly visit, higher levels of physical activity occur for transportation, recreation, and all other purposes; and

WHEREAS, to ensure personal bike safety, have your bike checked over by a qualified cycling shop; always wear a helmet to protect your head in the event of a crash; ride in the right-most lane that goes in the direction that you are traveling; obey all stop signs, traffic lights, and lane markings; look before you change lanes; indicate your intentions before acting; and remain visible and predictable at all times by wearing bright clothing and signaling turns.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim May 2024 as:

Alaska Bike Month

in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to commit to making our roads safer for bicyclists and pedestrians.