Title
Honoring, recognizing and commending the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia on its 40th Anniversary for its efforts to promote bicycling, transportation infrastructure, and healthy lifestyles.
Body
WHEREAS, The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, founded in 1972 as the Philadelphia Bicycle Coalition, is a non-profit organization that serves the Pennsylvania counties of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia as well as Southern New Jersey; and
WHEREAS, 40 years ago there were no bike lanes in Philadelphia and the lack of interest in incorporating bicycling into the City's infrastructure inspired the founding members of the Philadelphia Bicycle Coalition to raise their voices and lobby for change; and
WHEREAS, Until playing a leading role in the launching of the Pennsylvania Walks and Bikes, Bike Delaware and the New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia was the only local bicycling organization in the United States that conducted state-level advocacy in three states; and
WHEREAS, Over the past four decades, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia has positively influenced City transportation policy through its work on the Complete the Schuylkill River Trail Campaign which helped acquire $20 million in funding for local trails; and
WHEREAS, The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia introduced Safe Routes Philly, a program designed to promote biking and walking as fun, healthy forms of transportation in Philadelphia Schools. Safe Routes Philly also teaches students the importance of recreation and exercise, obesity, diabetes and environmental health; and
WHEREAS, As a member of the Circuit Coalition, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia works with other non-profit organizations, foundations and agencies to advance the completion of connected trails and promote the public benefits of bicycle and pedestrian trails; and
WHEREAS, The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia has worked to add 400 miles of bike paths and lanes in the area which has played a role in increasing bicycle commuting by 150 percent; now therefore,
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor, recognize and commend the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia on its 40th Anniversary for its efforts to promote bicycling, transportation infrastructure, and healthy lifestyles.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia as evidence of the sincere sentiment of this legislative body.
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