Whereas riding a bicycle is an excellent form of exercise that improves mental and physical health, and is part of a healthy lifestyle for men, women, and children to travel between home, school, and work; Whereas considering that bicycle riders and motor vehicle operators share many of the same roads, it is important to ensure everyone’s safety by educating cyclists and motorists regarding the proper and safe operation of bicycles; Whereas cycling deaths represent a disproportionate share of traffic deaths, and studies show measurable safety improvements result from investing in protected bike infrastructure; Whereas bicycling is an integral element in promoting energy-efficient and green-friendly technologies to enhance and sustain quality of life and to make communities more livable; Whereas bicycle commuting is an effective means to improve air quality, reduce traffic congestion and noise, and conserve energy; Whereas bicycle commuting benefits both employees and employers through better employee health and fitness and a reduction in commuting, parking, and health care costs; Whereas companies and other organizations that participate in Bike to Work Day help to build morale and encourage camaraderie among their employees; Whereas when compared to sedentary employees, physically active employees are known to be typically more alert, take fewer sick days, and are more productive; Whereas biking to work provides an efficient and enjoyable means of getting much-needed regular exercise without having to set aside additional time before or after the workday to work out; Whereas people who bike to work typically arrive faster than their driving counterparts, particularly if the commute is a distance of three miles or less, and have equal or better commuter times for distances of five to seven miles in urban areas