Yelm Proclaims May as Bicycle Commuter Month

37131066_664096147265646_9035754250319167488_oYelm, WA — Yelm City Council on Tuesday, proclaimed May as Bicycle Commuter Month to encourage residents to reduce energy consumption, pollution, and congestion by walking or biking instead of driving on short trips.

The month of May marks the changing of the seasons, making it much more enjoyable to take advantage of the walk and rideability in and around Yelm.

The City has continued to make the city more walk and bike friendly by prioritizing pedestrian improvement projects, including the completion of the Fort Stevens Sidewalk project and the addition of bike lanes that connect Yelm Middle School to dozens of residential homes.

Transportation accounts for about one-third of the energy use in Washington State, and about half of our carbon dioxide emissions. Bicycling not only provides excellent exercise, but also serves as one of the most energy efficient and healthy forms of transportation by reducing air pollution and improving the well-being of the entire community.

With this proclamation, Yelm joins many organizations and nonprofits around the nation who support bicycling during the month of May, including the League of American Bicyclists, a national nonprofit that has declared May as National Bike Month for 63 consecutive years and Intercity Transit who hosts Annual Bicycle Commuter Contest.