Parnell declares May “Bike Month”

Governor Sean Parnell has declared the month of May, Bike Month.  The week of May 16^th is Bike Week and May 20th has been declared Bike to Work-and School Day.

According to the Census Bureau, Alaska ranks 6^th in the nation in the proportion of adults who bicycle to work, with approximately three thousand people bicycling to work every day.

The League of American Bicyclists has already declared May as National Bicycle Month and helps organize the Bike to Work days across the nation.

Bicyclists are recognized in state law as legitimate users of Alaska’s roadways.  They, like motor vehicles, are required to follow the rules of the road.  Motorists need to allow a safe distance between their vehicle and bicycles when passing.  It is estimated that 4 in 10 crashes between bicycles and motor vehicles in Alaska occur when motorists are turning right.

Parnell, in his proclamation, encourages all Alaskans to participate in Bike Month activities and asks motorists to always be aware of cyclists on the road and recognize and practice bicycle safety throughout the year.