A Proclamation

WHEREAS, the bicycle is an excellent form of exercise, recreation, and transportation; and

WHEREAS, Mississippians in record numbers are turning to bicycling for exercise, recreation, and transportation; and

WHEREAS, millions of Americans will experience the joys of bicycling during the month of May through educational programs, commuting events, trail work days, helmet promotions, and charity rides; and

WHEREAS, the national non-profit bicycling safety and education association, the League of American Bicyclists, has declared the month of May to be National Bike Month for each of the last forty-eight (48) years, and has done so again in 2008 in order to promote greater safety; and

WHEREAS, bicycle clubs, schools, parks and recreation departments, police departments, hospitals, companies, and civic groups throughout our great state will be promoting bicycling as a wholesome leisure activity during the month of May, 2008; and

WHEREAS, in addition to walking, bicycling is beginning to once again be used by Mississippi K-8 students as they fight obesity by biking and walking to school through the Mississippi Safe routes to School program; and

WHEREAS, cycling along the Natchez Trace and the Longleaf Trace generates significant tourism income that benefits the local businesses and makes immeasurable positive impressions of Mississippi to visitors;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Haley Barbour, Governor of the State of Mississippi, hereby proclaim May, 2008 as

BICYCLE MONTH

in the State of Mississippi.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Mississippi to be affixed.

DONE in the City of Jackson, on the twenty-fifth day of March in the year of our Lord, two thousand and eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and thirty-second.

HALEY BARBOUR

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