County Board of Supervisors Commends BikeSD for Supporting Bike to Work Day

This was written by BikeSD member, Kelly Cummings

The chambers for the San Diego Board of Supervisors at the CAC. The students were really impressed. Photo: Kelly Cummings
The chambers for the San Diego Board of Supervisors at the CAC. The students were really impressed. Photo: Kelly Cummings

Last Tuesday morning, I joined Nicole Burgess and a slew of her OB Bike Train commuters for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors proclamation declaring May 17th, 2013 “Bike to Work Day”. Nicole, as a BikeSD board member, accepted the Proclamation on behalf of BikeSD. It was a nice presentation and Supervisor Greg Cox had some good things to say about bicycling in general. It seems the people’s representatives are starting to catch on to the ongoing, burgeoning bicycle culture in San Diego. (The latest Grand Jury Report is testament to the growing awareness of needed change.)

This is the Proclamation given by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to BikeSD for "Bike to Work Day 2013". Photo: Kelly Cummings
This is the Proclamation given by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to BikeSD for “Bike to Work Day 2013”. Photo: Kelly Cummings

Some of the statements in the proclamation…
WHEREAS, BikeSD is supporting Bike to Work Day to promote employer and commuter participation this day and throughout the year; and
WHEREAS, the County of San Diego is committed to recognizing and honoring those organizations that are dedicated to the best ideals of public service, and BikeSD is one such worthy organization; NOW THEREFORE,
BE IT PROCLAIMED by Chairman Greg Cox and all members of the San Diego Board of Supervisors on this 14th day of May 2013 that they commend BikeSD for supporting Bike to Work Day, and do hereby declare May 17th 2013 to be “BIKE TO WORK DAY” throughout San Diego County.

Nicole took some time to make important points about bicycling in general, and also to point out the important role the student commuters play in daily ridership. There is a Bike to School Day but it often doesn’t get the recognition that Bike to Work Day does. The students engage and contribute every bit as much as the adult commuters.

Nicole covered a number of topics as she addressed the Board of Supervisors and the attending public. Photo: Kelly Cummings
Nicole covered a number of topics as she addressed the Board of Supervisors and the attending public. Photo: Kelly Cummings

“…Being good students, learning good citizenship and developing healthy bodies is the ‘job’ of these children. Every day, I ride with many of these commuters as I lead our daily bike train to their ‘jobs’ at Dana Middle School. Fresh air, blood circulating, time with friends, and a chance to develop their independence, self sufficiency, and road awareness.”
“…Bicycle commuting helps to solve many of the problems of our ever growing and ever more crowded communities. Bicycling contributes to healthier individuals, a cleaner local environment, and it helps to stimulate the local economy and small businesses. All of this, while reducing traffic and congestion on our roads and reducing noise and crowding in our small communities. Bicycling contributes to our terrific “Quality of Life” here in San Diego.”
“….there is a growing awareness and embracing of alternative transportation, including bicycling. Citizens are demanding better mass transit such as buses, trolleys and rail service that will handle bicycles, and better infrastructure for bicyclist and pedestrians. Multi-modal solutions, including bikes, are a clever way to reduce congestion, pollution and the need for imported oil, while simultaneously, saving money, time and increasing productivity. It is economically efficient, environmentally sustainable and inclusive to all communities.”

“…’If you build it, they will come’. Many solutions have been developed and engineered in other parts of the world. We just need to study them and adopt the best practices for solving the issues we face. We do not need to reinvent the wheel. We just need to get rolling.”

“…I accept this honor on behalf of BikeSD, all of the Ocean Beach bike train commuters and for the many other student commuters throughout San Diego County that are making healthy choices for themselves and for our planet.”

“…Let’s celebrate Bike to Work Day and find the pleasures and joys in our commute. You may find that it becomes the best part of the day!”

Nicole generously shared the Proclamation with her "fellow commuters", as they all smiled for the cameras. Photo: Kelly Cummings
Nicole generously shared the Proclamation with her “fellow commuters”, as they all smiled for the cameras. Photo: Kelly Cummings

It was a nice moment when the student commuters surrounded Nicole and were joined by Supervisor Cox for a few photos. The audience was very receptive and many of them had nice things to say to both Nicole and her student riders. All of the Supervisors seemed engaged and genuinely pleased with the proclamation and recognition to Nicole and her fellow commuters.

The student commuters attending the Proclamation Awards were very proud of "their Nicole"! Photo: Kelly Cummings
The student commuters attending the Proclamation Awards were very proud of “their Nicole”! Photo: Kelly Cummings

The kids were really happy with the whole event. They were enjoying the time away from school anyway, but really got a thrill out of seeing ‘their Nicole’ getting much deserved praise and recognition. It was a fun, joyous and happy ride back up Nimitz Boulevard for all of us. Congratulations to BikeSD and to Nicole Burgess for all you do!