Buchanan, Blumenauer Peddle Benefits of Cycling

Press Release

Congressmen Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), the new co-chairs of the Congressional Bike Caucus, announced today they will focus on safety, promoting the health benefits of biking and fostering the growth of bike trails across the country.

Buchanan, who rides 70 miles a week, replaces retired Congressman Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI). Blumenauer, also an avid biker, continues as the Democratic co-chair.

The Caucus takes pride in being "affirmatively "bike-partisan'" and had over 100 Members, from both sides of the aisle, in the 113th Congress.

"I am excited to join my friend and colleague, Congressman Blumenauer, in leading the Congressional Bike Caucus." Buchanan said. "Bicycling is good for the economy, the environment and peoples' health.

Blumenauer said, "When I came to Congress in 1996, biking made it easy to bond with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. The Bike Caucus is a way to leverage that bipartisanship to advance a national movement that is making America safer, healthier, and more economically secure. I'm very excited to work with my friend Vern, and I am encouraged by the jolt of new energy he brings to this important effort."

According to the Outdoor Industry Association, bicycling is a growing force in every state and a $10.5 billion industry, supporting three quarters of a million jobs.

Patrick Lui, the Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trails Coordinator for Sarasota County, FL, said "Sarasota County recognizes the importance of our intergovernmental coordination, partnerships and engagement of our community to advance the quality of biking and other multi modal opportunities. We are excited for the opportunities that the Caucus will bring on both a national and local level."

The launch of the Caucus comes as the Sunshine State gets ready for Florida Bicycle Month in March

Buchanan noted that while pedestrian fatalities in Florida are at 20-year-low, the state currently has the fifth worst pedestrian safety record in the nation with over 500 fatalities per year.

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