Bicyclist and Pedestrian Awareness Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

WHEREAS, in 2023, the Commonwealth of Virginia experienced over 900 traffic fatalities; and

WHEREAS, among these fatalities, 133 pedestrians and 15 bicyclists lost their lives due to traffic crashes; and

WHEREAS, the 133 pedestrian fatalities accounted for 14.7 percent of all traffic deaths in the Commonwealth last year; and

WHEREAS, the 15 bicyclists killed last year comprised nearly 2 percent of all traffic fatalities in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians share reciprocal rights and responsibilities and should treat each other with mutual respect on Virginia’s roadways; and

WHEREAS, pedestrians are encouraged to wear reflective clothing and walk, jog, or run facing traffic, while bicyclists should use lights, reflectors, and wear bright clothing to enhance visibility, and all should obey the rules of the road; and,

WHEREAS, motorists are required to pass bicyclists at a reasonable speed, maintaining at least a three-foot distance to the left of the overtaken bicycle or change lanes if there is not three feet of clearance; and,

WHEREAS, all road users should avoid distractions and remain vigilant to ensure the safety of others on the road; and

WHEREAS, Bicyclist and Pedestrian Awareness Month highlights the importance of sharing the road to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities in the Commonwealth;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize October 2024, as BICYCLIST AND PEDESTRIAN AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations