1. I. Statewide Bicycle Advisory Council

   There is hereby created a council to be known as the Statewide Bicycle Advisory Council (the “ council”). The members of the council shall be appointed by the Governor from the educational, public safety, transportation and recreational communities, and appropriate State agencies such as the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Transportation, the Education Department and the Division of State Police. The chairman of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee also shall serve as a member of the council and shall serve as its chairman. The members of the council shall receive no compensation, but shall be entitled to reimbursement for any necessary expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their duties.

2. II. Purposes and Responsibilities of the Council

   The council shall promote the safe and efficient use of bicycles across New York State. In fulfilling its responsibilities, the council shall consult with and encourage the participation of bicycle users and enthusiasts and the public agencies responsible for implementing bicycle-related policies and programs. The council shall:

3. (1) advise the Governor and the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee on policies, programs and projects that, at little or no cost, should be implemented in order to promote the safe and efficient use of bicycles across the State;
4. (2) identify opportunities and make recommendations for coordinating public and private approaches to bicycle safety and promotion;
5. (3) assist State and local public officials in improving bicycle safety by:
6. (3) (a) educating highway and bicycle users of the potential benefits, rights, responsibilities and dangers of bicycle use on public highways;
7. (3) (b) informing highway and bicycle users of the laws and ordinances affecting bicycle operation on public highways;
8. (3) (c) encouraging the enforcement of laws and ordinances designed to promote bicycle safety;
9. (3) (d) recommending plans and designs for facilities that would facilitate safe, efficient and convenient bicycle use;
10. (3) (e) alerting both young cyclists and adult cyclists of safe riding practices and responsibilities; and
11. (3) (f) ensuring that complete and accurate data on bicycle injuries and fatalities is collected in a cost-effective manner;
12. (4) examine and evaluate efforts to reduce bicycle-related injuries and fatalities in the State, including the recommendations contained in the 1983 Report by the Department of Motor Vehicle's Bicycle Safety Advisory Committee; and
13. (5) report to the Governor by July 1, 1986 and as appropriate thereafter, on its findings and recommendations to promote and improve bicycle safety and use through innovative and cost- effective methods.

14. III. Assistance

    In conducting its affairs, the Statewide Bicycle Advisory Council shall work in close cooperation with the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee. Staff support for the council shall be provided by the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee and the Department of Transportation. The council may request and shall receive from any department, division, board, bureau, commission or agency of the State such assistance and data as will enable it to carry out its purpose and responsibilities hereunder.

    Signed: Mario M. Cuomo Dated: May 31, 1985

WHEREAS, millions of New Yorkers use bicycles annually for recreation and commuting; and

WHEREAS, bicycle transportation is a low-cost, energy-efficient and environmentally compatible form of transportation that should be encouraged; and

WHEREAS, it is necessary to develop and coordinate a comprehensive program of education, enforcement and transportation development in order to encourage the safe and efficient use of bicycles across New York State;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mario M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of New York, do hereby order as follows: