Wooooo-weeee! The controversy! The Associated Press article from April 14th talks of cycling's new BFF, Ray LaHood getting into trouble with the trucker's and manufacturer's associations for his "radical" views that cycling and walking might be as important to our country's transportation system as automobiles and trucks! Oh noooooo, Mr. Bill!
Oh YES! Mr. LaHood thinks we should have a voice and, I think we are incredibly lucky to have it be HIM! Mr. LaHood is a cyclist, as is the rest of his family, and it's not just about transportation!
The National Association of Manufacturers' blog entry "The Realities of the U.S. Economy," makes it perfectly clear - it's all about money! In other words, roads, bridges, and other projects that support the role of petroleum in every aspect of industry.
It just doesn't seem to be a big stretch for me that we would address alternative transportation initiatives at the same time as we are building or re-building existing projects in and out of urban areas.
Bike paths that go nowhere - pedestrians who are not able to cross streets - disabled who cannot safely take care of themselves - and seniors who chose or are forced to give up their automobiles still having to depend upon someone else to "drive" them: seems to me these are real issues that deserve our attention.
We have an opportunity here - remember that it is easy to contact your legislators and let them know what you want.
Go to the League of American Bicyclists advocacy center type in your zip code and go at it! Then go ride your bike, walk to the store, take public transportation when you can. You CAN make a difference.
Oh, and listen to my radio show on 570 WKBN - Mondays at 6pm EDT. Click on the Bicycling Today link. You can also download the weekly podcast - scroll down to Bicycling Today. I discuss advocacy each week.
Comments