I’m sure you all are aware that obesity has become a problem throughout the U.S. Two-thirds of American adults are overweight and if current trends continue, nearly half will be obese by the year 2020. In 2008 27.1% of Davie County citizens were obese and 8.3 were diagnosed with diabetes. Other health issues related to being overweight are high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, asthma, and depression just to name a few. These problems don’t JUST effect adults anymore. They are starting to affect the children as well. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of obese children has more than tripled in the last 30 years. Almost one out of every five children is overweight or obese and doctors are starting to see the same health issues in children that used to be “adult-only” problems.

Researchers compared the relationship between bicycling and walking travel and obesity in 14 countries, 50 U.S. states, and 47 U.S. cities, and found statistically significant negative relationships at all levels.

I propose that we, as a community, take it even further and promote cycling and walking, not only for recreational purposes, but as alternative modes of transportation especially for shorter trips.

Bicycle facilities such as signed bike routes with maps, bike parking racks and bike lanes on streets with heavier traffic are just a few ways we promote bicycling as an alternative mode of transportation.

Aside from health benefits, with increased bicycle commuting, communities all over enjoy other benefits such as Increased Property value, Jobs and Economical Boost, Tourism, Less Traffic Congestion, Cleaner Environment.

Installing facilities such as bike lanes, road signage, and parking racks seems like a no-brainer to me. It’s a fun and healthy way to strengthen our community and addresses the concerns with Jobs, Housing, and Transportation as well as the health of our citizens, our environment and our local economy.