Bicyclists DECLARE INDEPENDENCE FROM OIL on July 4th with Free Valet Bike parking on the National Mall

From a WABA press release (and more here):

Spurred by soaring gas prices and our country’s overdependence on oil, bicycle advocates from around the country are urging Americans to show their patriotism this July 4^th, what they’re calling Independence from Oil Day, by pledging to make more gas-free trips. This campaign aims to get more Americans on bicycles this summer, recognizing that half of all driving trips are under two miles in length. With national gas prices exceeding $4 per gallon, and with mass transit increasingly crowded, Americans are discovering how easy and cost-effective it is to commute by bicycle, sending bike ridership numbers higher than ever. More people are recognizing the economic benefits of biking for transportation, not to mention the health and environmental benefits, says Leah Shahum, Executive Director of the 9,000-member San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. “We urge more Americans to do their part by taking the Gas-Free Fridays pledge this Summer.”

San Francisco has seen a 30% increase in the number of people commuting by bicycle in the past year alone.

New York City has seen a 75% increase in bicycle commuting since 2000. “Sales of commuter bikes doubled this year in New York City, and many local bike shops have simply sold out,” says Paul Steely White, Executive Director of the 6,000-member Transportation Alternatives.

Bicycle riding in Portland has doubled in the last five years. “Many people in Portland are trying bicycling for the first time because of the high cost of driving,” says Scott Bricker, Executive Director of the 5,000-member Bicycle Transportation Alliance. “They would rather spend $4 on a light lunch or to buy a locally hand-crafted beer, rather than on a gallon of gas.”

Bicycle traffic on Philadelphia’s bridges increased 15% in the last year. “There has never been a better time to declare independence from your car and enjoy the freedom and benefits of using your bike,” said Alex Doty, Executive Director of the 1,200-member Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia.

Washington D.C. saw a 100% increase in the number of cyclists between 2004 and 2006. “What really strikes me is the diversity of cyclists we are seeing,” says Eric Gilliland, Executive Director of the 7,000-member Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA). “It’s no longer just men in spandex, but women in dresses, men in suits and people of all ages and races.” As part of the July 4^th celebrations on the National Mall, WABA will be offering two free valet bike parking locations as a way to encourage more people to ride their bikes to the fireworks.  The bike valets will be located at 15^th and Independence Ave SW and on the south side of the Lincoln Memorial.  Both valets will be in operation from 2pm to 10pm.

Advocates hope that they can encourage even more Americans to develop healthy, sustainable commuting habits that will ease the financial burdens of skyrocketing gas prices and reduce our country’s dependence on oil. In one year, riding a bicycle versus owning and driving will save an individual $8,000. On average, commuting 10 miles a day by bike instead of car burns 110,250 calories (keeping off 30 pounds of fat each year) and saves 3,500 lbs. of greenhouse gas emissions each year. “Today we are calling on our representatives in Washington D.C. to lessen our nations’ overdependence on oil and to offer Americans the greater freedoms and efficiencies of bicycling, says Paul Steely White. “We urge them to give direct and better federal assistance to our nation’s 20 most populous cities so that they can establish safe bicycle networks, bike to transit facilities and public bicycle-share programs."

Comments

[jeff]

So, gas is now more expensive than it has ever been. The timing seems perfect for a Bicycle to Work! group on the LinkedIn business networking site. Oh! There already is one! Members pledge that they will try to ride their bicycle to work or on an errand at least once a week. Put more money in your pocket and not in your gas tank.

Gas prices are never going down folks. Never. Get used to it.

Human powered and public transportation will become vastly more important in the next 50 years. Not because its the right thing to do. Which it is. Not because it will help global warming. Which it will. Not because it will help you get and stay in shape. Which it will. Not because it will cut back on our dependence on foreign oil. Which it can. Not because of the decreased demand on bio-fuels. Which will help keep more people from starving as more arable land is converted from food crops to bio-fuel crops. (Don't get me started on the bio-fuels scam).

Bikes are going to become more important in the next 50 years for one main reason - ITS WAY TOO EXPENSIVE TO DRIVE EVERYWHERE ALL THE TIME. So get out there and start riding everywhere all the time. Spread the word. Make it a movement! Bicycle to work one day a week and start saving some dough..

Just go to my profile at http://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreylstevenson and you can click on the group to be included. While you are there, don't forget to ask to link to my network of more than 11,000,000 like-minded professionals. I accept all invitations and look forward to meeting you.

Jeff