Courthouse Square in April.
(Photo © J. Maus)
He walked to work on Earth Day, and now Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski says he’ll ride his bike to the office on Monday.
The ride is part of a larger “commuter challenge” effort proclaimed by Kulongoski today to encourage the 8,500 state employees to leave their cars at home and trying biking, walking, or the bus instead.
Kulongoski told me during a conversation at the Earth Day rally back in April that he used to ride his bike into work “all the time” when he lived in the inner northeast Portland neighborhood of Laurelhurst.
The Governor will join a growing number of State Capitol employees who have been known to bike. They include Sen. Jason Atkinson,
Rep. Tobias Read,
Rep. Jackie Dingfelder,
Sen. Floyd Prozanski, and
(Photo © J. Maus)
Sen. Ginny Burdick…
crossing the Sellwood Bridge.
(Photo © J. Maus)
…just to name a few.
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The Mid-Valley BTA folks are ready with Breakfast on Bikes – thanks to the Shifties for the idea and template! – for those who choose to bike. We did our fourth breakfast this morning, and had about 50 people on the Capitol Mall. For sites and wraps, see the Salem Breakfast on Bikes Blog.
dont forget this guy
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/05/images/20070505-1_f050507jb-0110jpg-675v.html
http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,s1-3-12-13462-1,00.html
Spencer:
After looking at that, I might lose my breakfast – on or off my bike!
Yet another reason why Oregon and many of our elected officials are among the best in this country. I appreciate this kind of leadership. I like politicians who walk the walk, or ride the bike, or both (by the way, I am still celebrating about Sam!).
As for Spencer\’s well-intended good-humored post, unfortunately – no – we will NOT “forget that guy,” as the immeasurable damage than he and his administration have imposed on so many fronts is one reason why we are all coming together to salvage and restore our country, its economy, the climate, and our all-around quality of life. Biking and walking to work is a great way to begin to move beyond the dark times that transformed the very fabric of our society and planet…it is time for a new era defined by healthy, active, globally responsible Americans. This is exciting!
Speaking thereof, the new Kona calls…have a great weekend, all.
what a stallion.
As a State employee, it would be nice if the State actually encouraged bike commuting more. I\’d
I\’m not that impressed – I know where the Governor\’s residence is and it\’s all downhill to the capitol mall.
Working for the state, there is not a centralized effort at getting state employees on bikes. What there is, is mostly driven by the employees. Times are slowly changing though. Our office recently put in showers and has some dedicated bike parking. Another new buildings in our department has included a dedicated bike storage room.
I spent some time over in the Federal building in PDX, and their set up puts our to shame. They have a much better program.
By far the best has been OHSU, which actually pays people to ride, rather than have to build more parking facilities. The Tram was a real boon. You should see all the bikes parked at the base station.
We should be looking for more than a symbolic ride down the hill for sleepy Ted, and start implementing real bike improvement for State employees. Lead by example!
I\’m not that impressed – I know where the Governor\’s residence is and it\’s all downhill to the capitol mall.
so is he riding home too?
Spencer
Dubya has a pretty sweet ride.
It\’s just 2 miles, right? I hope he has a good route, and a good experience, that hooks him for good…
Jessica, this is all for show. The Governor rarely follows through on anything, and this is just for press.