Number
131799
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. ZIELINSKI, PUENTE
Title
Substitute resolution designating a Bicycle Safety Awareness Week in Milwaukee.
Analysis
This resolution designates the first week of June, commencing in June of 2014, as an annual Bicycle Safety Awareness Week to promote bicycle safety on the city's streets and highways.
The resolution further directs the Department of Public Works, the Department of Health, the Police Department and other agencies of City government to collaborate with state and local agencies and organizations to promote bicycle safety awareness and to promote compliance by motorists and bicyclists alike with the Rules of the Road.
The resolution also urges all bicyclists and motorists to "share the road" and to join in the effort to improve safety and awareness on the city's streets and highways.
Body
Whereas, Since 1990, the numbers of new bicyclists riding the streets and highways of the city and the state have increased exponentially as improvements to bicycle safety have been made in areas such as engineering, education, enforcement and emergency response; and
Whereas, Even with increasing numbers of cyclists on the streets and highways, the numbers of injuries reported by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation have dropped by 38% from nearly 1,800 in 1990 to fewer than 1,100 in 2012; and
Whereas, Though the numbers of injuries have decreased, the numbers of bicycle fatalities have remained steady for the past 24 years, averaging more than 10 deaths annually; and
Whereas, In Wisconsin, one bicyclist was injured or killed every 8.3 hours in 2012, and more than 292 Milwaukee County residents have been admitted to hospitals and emergency departments due to bicycle injuries annually in the last 4 years; and
Whereas, Safety is the highest priority for the highways and streets of the city of Milwaukee; and
Whereas, Most reported bicycle crashes occur during rush hours on workdays Monday through Friday; and
Whereas, In Wisconsin during 2012, most injuries involved bicyclists from 5 to 24 years of age (nearly 350) and most deaths involved bicyclists from 45 to 64 years of age (7 deaths); and
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee desires to be a leader in bicycle safety, education and awareness; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the first week in June of each year, commencing 2014, is designated as Bicycle Safety Awareness Week; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Department of Public Works and the Department of Health, in conjunction with the Police Department, shall be responsible for promoting Bicycle Safety Awareness Week; and, be it
Further Resolved, That City departments are directed to collaborate with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and with state and local organizations of cyclists including the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, Inc., to promote safety awareness, bicycle education, Safe Routes to Schools programs and other efforts to promote bicycling and bicycle safety; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Police Department shall take appropriate action to promote compliance with the Rules of the Road by motorists and bicyclists alike using educational and promotional opportunities provided by an annual Bicycle Safety Awareness Week; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Common Council urges all bicyclists and motorists to "share the road" and to join in the effort to improve safety and awareness on the city's streets and highways.
Requester
Drafter
LRB151734-2.3
Richard L. Withers
4/30/2014