The common theme between these two news items? Riding your bike dressed up to the nines to go to work or for a nice, leisurely picnic.
For Congressman, Life in Bike Lane Comes Naturally (original article is no longer available)
"Bikeman," a House colleague from Oregon calls him. Mr. Blumenauer owns seven bikes. His congressional office is one of the few -- if not the only one -- that didn't even apply for a parking permit. On occasion, Mr. Blumenauer has cycled to the White House. On Mr. Blumenauer's first visit, the Secret Service, more accustomed to limousines, was flummoxed at the sight of his bike.
Congressman Earl Blumenauer of Oregon Rides to the White House, Congress, and everywhere in Washington, D.C. He has been quite successful in increasing the amount of money spent on cycling infrastructure in the States. He has recently been working on a bill to provide more tax incentives for cyclists, but has so far been ridiculed by his fellow congressman accusing him of trying to get everyone out of their cars and onto bikes. While he says that he still drives himself at times and finds cars useful, I say, own up to it, Blumenauer! Yes, you do want people out of their cars!
From experience, D.C. can be quite a nice city to explore by bicycle - many roads are wide enough and there are extensive trails along rivers and canals. The difficult sections include not being able to easily squeeze past the rush hour traffic jams downtown, getting intimidated by the constant presence of cops and rent-a-cops, and not knowing when you might suddenly end up on the on-ramp to a freeway! Good luck in Washington, Blumenauer!
Tweed Cycling Club - While technically not news, this is a great cycling club in the UK that emphasizes tweed over lycra; lugged frames over carbon fibre; casual country jaunts and picnics over sweaty races. How could you not like this?
For a Toronto experience of tweed you can join in on our Bike Polo, or start up a local tweed club.
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