Obama’s support for cycling is smart politics
Michael Z from SRAM was telling me in Philly about a private fundraiser for Barack Obama that was organized by Stan or F.K. Day. (I forget which, sorry guys). It turns out that at the event, Obama promised to “increase funding for cycling and pedestrian projects,” according to Bicycle Retailer & Industry News. My girlfriend pointed out that it’s just another example of money driving politics, but at least money is driving politics in the right direction.
Anyways, something in the BRAIN article that jumped out at me was Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon) saying that “it’s important for [the bike] industry to understand that it is a force.” Even in a strong economy, the rising cost of gas alone would make cycling more attractive. But when the economy’s bad, everything else that makes cars so expensive becomes more of a concern for drivers: car payments, insurance, repairs, etc. Then there’s the whole “green” thing, which is quickly becoming a mainstream value. Also, urban living is coming back into style and bikes are getting to be pretty fashionable.
Those are powerful economic, social, and cultural forces coming together that favor the use of bicycles, so it’s smart for Obama to align himself now with the bike industry and show everyone that it’s ok to look dorky on a bike.
picture via LAist