Citizens throughout the Bismarck area are encouraged to participate in ‘Bike to Work Week’, May 17-21. To commemorate the weeklong event, a citywide proclamation has been made by Mayor John Warford. 'Bike to Work Day' is designated for May 21, 2010.

"I urge our community to recognize the importance of bicycle safety and be more aware of cyclists on our streets, and to join in and ride bikes to work, to school, and for life", said Mayor John Warford.

'Bike to Work Week’ is a national event that was initiated by the League of American Bicyclists in 1956. Objectives for the week are four-fold, and include, 1) educating communities that bicycles are a beneficial mode of transportation, 2) making basic information on bicycle commuting available to potential riders, 3) encouraging people to try bicycle commuting, and 4) increasing the general public's awareness and respect for bicyclists.

Bicycling is a simple, low-impact way to improve your health and increase the amount of physical activity you do.

Commuting by bicycle keeps your auto at home, saving money on fuel and maintenance costs.

Relative to cars, bicycling produces no air or noise pollution, significantly reducing your impact on the environment.

Today, millions of Americans engage in bicycling because it is a viable and environmentally-sound form of transportation, improves physical fitness, saves money, and reduces pollution.

The League of American Bicyclists and independent cyclists throughout or community are promoting greater public awareness of bicycle operations and safety education in an effort to reduce accidents and fatalities for all.

I, John Warford, Mayor of the City of Bismarck, do hereby Proclaim Bike to Work Week, May 17-21, 2010 and Bike to Work Day May 21, 2010.

Additional information regarding Bike to Work Week is available from the League of American Bicyclists at www.bikeleague.org