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 2021, one hundred twenty-five pedestrians and 16 bicyclists died as the result of traffic accidents in the Commonwealth of Virginia which constitutes a 10 percent increase in pedestrian fatalities and a 100 percent increase in bicyclist fatalities compared to 2020; and,

WHEREAS, the 125 pedestrians who were killed in collisions with motor vehicles last year comprised nearly 13 percent of all traffic fatalities in the Commonwealth; and,

WHEREAS, the 16 bicyclists killed last year comprised nearly 2 percent of all traffic fatalities in the Commonwealth; and,

WHEREAS, motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians have reciprocal rights and responsibilities and should afford one another mutual respect while traveling on the roadways of Virginia; and,

WHEREAS, pedestrians are urged to wear reflective clothing and walk, jog, or run on the side of the road facing traffic, and bicyclists should use lights, reflectors, and wear bright clothing to be more visible; and,

WHEREAS, motorists shall pass bicyclists at a reasonable speed at least three feet 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 distraction so that they may safely share the road with one another; and,

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

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize October 2022 as BICYCLIST AND PEDESTRIAN AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations