Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood, a fellow cyclist, is pushing a big gear this morning in defense over his new cycling policy. President Obama’s go to guy on alternative forms of sustainable transportation suggested we look at “walking and bicycling as equals with other modes of transportation.” From his blog, The Fast Lane, “A lot of people out there are enthusiastic about a return to a healthier, greener American mobility.”

Oh, the blatant sacrilege. Making roadways safer and more accessible for cyclists across the country? Those pesky bicycle riders. They think they own the road already. Now they want more room to ride?

According to an AP article on Huffington Post, one of the biggest uphill climbs comes in the form of Congressman Steve LaTourette, R-Ohio. Questioning a Transportation official at a recent House hearing LaTourette is quoted as asking, “Is that a typo?” Continuing, “If it is not a typo, is there still mandatory drug testing at the Department?”  This from a gentleman that sits in the same body that brought us a top-heavy, capsizing Guam. Perhaps we should consider mandatory IQ testing for Congress?

In that the proposals are not mandatory, what’s wrong with keeping an eye out for cyclists, for working to insure bicycling safety? Who benefits from peddling paranoia? He has no problem taking a pannier full of cash for his own district for bike paths. Hmmm. Handouts for handlebars, fine by me as long as I get the dough??? No double standard here. Clearly LaTourette has dropped his chain.

Perhaps he should spend less time on the couch and a little more in the saddle.

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