from Welcome to the Fast Lane: The Official Blog of the U.S. Secretary of Transportation by Ray LaHood
This morning I biked to work with a group of DOT commuters from the Washington Monument to our headquarters building. The route was safe and well-marked; we enjoyed some exercise; and we didn’t burn a drop of gas–which saved us some money.
That’s what I call a successful commute.
Gathering on the grounds of the Washington Monument; photo courtesy Julie Fischer McCarter, DOT
President Obama understands that high gas prices are pinching family budgets across America. And at DOT we are committed to providing people with convenient, affordable, and healthy transportation options.
That can help ease the pain everyone feels at the pump these days. It can lower the burden of tailpipe emissions on our environment. And it can create economic opportunities. We know that building bicycle, transit, and rail facilities creates jobs. And we know that businesses will pop up where streets are friendly to bicyclists and pedestrians.
Enroute; photo courtesy Julie Fischer McCarter, DOT
Now, we can commute by bike here in Washington, DC, because this city has worked hard to make it easier and safer for people to use their bicycles–not just for recreation, but for transportation. Washington has become a bike-friendly city.
And if you don’t believe me, just ask the League of American Bicyclists, who recently recognized the city’s efforts with its Silver award. In fact, there’s an informal race on the East Coast to see which large city can be first to achieve the Gold award. When we have cities competing to be acknowledged for their livability, that tells me things are going in the right direction.
…
https://fastlane.dot.gov/2011/06/biking-to-work-with-dot-commuters.htmloldId.20110606193441457