Year: 2011
Resolution Number: 48
Action Taken: Approved as Amended
Status:
Author(s): Brian M. Salata, David S. Rogawski, and Priyanka Shah
Sponsor: Brian M. Salata
On behalf of: Medical Student Section
Committee: D (Public Health)
Resolved Section(s):
RESOLVED: That MSMS support Michigan city governments, universities, and other entities in their investigation of the feasibility and economic sustainability of bike sharing programs; and be it furtherRESOLVED: That MSMS supports the implementation of a bike sharing program if the investigation provides adequate verification of its practicality, potential health impact and economic viability.RATIONALE: The Committee found this to be a novel idea. With the current obesity epidemic, the use of bicycles to commute around areas would provide the exercise and physical activity a person needs every day. Questions were asked about what would happen if these programs were placed in climates where snow is present five to six months of the year. It was discovered that some places in Europe they ride through the snow and in Chicago they would close the program from November through March. The second and most talked about issue was safety. Testimony was given that the current infrastructure in Michigan was not built for multiple use. There were suggestions from the Committee that if programs like these are implemented, crash helmets should be mandatory for usage of the bicycle. Concerns were also raised that it could raise the number of cases seen in the ER due to bicycle accidents. The Committee felt that the argument was a prediction that needed greater evidence.This resolution was also submitted by the Medical Student Section and should be commended for all of their hard work.
RESOLVED: That MSMS support Michigan city governments, universities, and other entities in their investigation of the feasibility and economic sustainability of bike sharing programs; and be it furtherRESOLVED: That MSMS supports the implementation of a bike sharing program if the investigation provides adequate verification of its practicality, potential health impact and economic viability.RATIONALE: The Committee found this to be a novel idea. With the current obesity epidemic, the use of bicycles to commute around areas would provide the exercise and physical activity a person needs every day. Questions were asked about what would happen if these programs were placed in climates where snow is present five to six months of the year. It was discovered that some places in Europe they ride through the snow and in Chicago they would close the program from November through March. The second and most talked about issue was safety. Testimony was given that the current infrastructure in Michigan was not built for multiple use. There were suggestions from the Committee that if programs like these are implemented, crash helmets should be mandatory for usage of the bicycle. Concerns were also raised that it could raise the number of cases seen in the ER due to bicycle accidents. The Committee felt that the argument was a prediction that needed greater evidence.This resolution was also submitted by the Medical Student Section and should be commended for all of their hard work.
Fiscal Note: NULL
Resolution: View PDF for Bicycle Sharing Programs