WHEREAS, in 2024, the Commonwealth of Virginia experienced 918 traffic fatalities; and

WHEREAS, among these fatalities, 126 pedestrians and 25 bicyclists lost their lives due to traffic crashes; and

WHEREAS, the 126 pedestrian fatalities accounted for 13.7 percent of all traffic deaths in the Commonwealth last year; and

WHEREAS, the 25 bicyclists killed last year comprised 2.7 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 2025, as BICYCLIST AND PEDESTRIAN AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.