National Bike Month and California Legislation Noted by Assembly Democrats

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

In this week’s Democratic weekly radio address, Assemblymembers Mark DeSaulnier (D-Martinez) and Juan Arambula (D-Fresno) celebrate Bike-to-Work Day on Friday, May 16 by highlighting what Assembly Democrats are doing to promote bicycle safety and encouraging all Californians to consider bicycles as a mode of transportation to reduce congestion, clean the air, and improve individual health.

You may listen in English or Spanish or read the transcript below.

Hello, this is Assemblymember Mark DeSaulnier, Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee.

Learning to ride a bicycle is something most of us went through at some point in our lives.

Frustration and scraped knees from falling didn't stop us from getting it right then, and growing up is no excuse for leaving our bikes in the garage today.

In fact, now more than ever, bicycles are a good way for adults to get exercise and relieve some of the burden on our environment.

Did you know a ten-minute bike ride can burn over 100 calories?

And on that same ten-minute ride, we can all save money on gas, contribute to improving air quality, reduce traffic congestion and fight global warming.

Maybe most importantly, it’s a great way to get reconnected with our friends, families and communities.

With these goals in mind, Assembly Democrats invite you to the Capitol Bike Festival at the state capitol in Sacramento.

On May 15, from 11am to 2pm, bicycle to the capitol to hear great music, win prizes and receive a free bike safety check.

Please visit w-w-w-mayisbikemonth (that’s all one word)-dot-com www.mayisbikemonth.com/events.asp for more information and check the events link.

This festival coincides with hundreds of national bike to work day events and bike month celebrations around California

And while we are recognizing the value of cycling in California this May, the legislature in Sacramento will also be working on bills addressing today’s environmental problems

Just one example is AB 2971. This bill would increase safe bicycle and pedestrian paths throughout our cities and counties, helping Californians navigate their communities without cars and safely.