Okaloosa County BOCC — May 19, 2015 — 5-19-15 Ride of Silence Day

PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, the objective of the Emerald Coast Cyclists in organizing the Ride of Silence locally is to join other communities around the world in the quest to execute the mission of the Ride of Silence organization which is to honor bicyclists killed by motorists, promote sharing the road, and provide awareness of bicycling safety; and WHEREAS, Ride of Silence is a slow-paced, silent ride to honor bicyclists who have been injured or killed on our roadways and to also raise awareness of bicyclists’ right to share the road. Ride of Silence, a world-wide event since its inception in 2003, is a non-profit event organized by volunteers in offering this ride free of charge to the public, held each year on the third Wednesday in May during National Bike Month; and WHEREAS, the need for raising bicycle safety awareness is a crucial responsibility to remind motorists to be safe with respect to all of our communities’ bicyclists; whether riding for fitness, riding casually through neighbor- hoods or commuting through town as their only means of transportation, including children on their way to school; and WHEREAS, there is a need to inform motorists that our State of Florida requires a simple, easy to remem- ber, but vital rule that motorists must be aware of and follow a 3-foot clearance in passing bicyclists on the road; and WHEREAS, it is important to observe Ride of Silence Day because our streets and highways are getting busier, necessitating increased education and awareness. It is evident that continuous improvements in bicycle safety awareness is crucial to saving lives. The significance of our efforts is realized each year as more fallen bicyclists are recognized and we do not want another bicyclist to fall victim to another hazardous motorist; and WHEREAS, the Ride of Silence local event will be held Wednesday, May 20, at 6:00 p.m. starting in the parking lot of Gentiva Home Health/Families First Network, 340 Beal Pkwy in Fort Walton Beach. The event will begin with a ceremony followed by a 3 mile memorial ride through Fort Walton Beach. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners for Okaloosa County, that we do hereby proclaim May 20, 2015 as “RIDE OF SILENCE DAY” In Okaloosa County and encourage surrounding communities to participate in the Ride of Silence to honor bicyclists who have been injured or killed on our roadways, to provide awareness of bicycling safety, and to promote bicyclists’ right to share the road. DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED this 19th day of May, 2015, CENTENNIAL YEAR. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA ATTEST: _________________________________ NATHAN D. BOYLES CHAIRMAN ___________________________ J D PEACOCK II CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT