Senator Rand Paul Loves Riding But Opposes Funding for Bike Lanes
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Kentucky Senator and Republican presidential candidate Rand Paul loves riding his bike, but is less enamored of government spending on bike lanes.
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On Thursday, Paul was asked on Twitter about what he enjoys outside of his Senate duties and campaigning. His response? “I’m pretty busy these days, but I love riding my bike.”
@RandPaul When you're not in the Senate, or campaigning, or writing a book, or performing eye surgeries, what do you like to do for fun?
— Amanda (@addelaney83) November 12, 2015
Paul’s enthusiasm for bikes makes sense: His father, Ron Paul, is an avid cyclist, who once challenged GOP presidential candidates to a 25-mile bike race, during a 2012 debate.
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However, the junior Paul has been particularly vocal about his opposition to federal funding for bike lanes in the past, equating them with “turtle tunnels and squirrel sanctuaries and all this craziness.” Statistics suggest otherwise: Dollar-for-dollar, bike lanes and greenways are among the best investments government can make, as they can reduce traffic congestion, improve public health, and even boost local economies.
Unfortunately, according to one prominent bike activist, Paul isn’t the only politician in Washington who loves riding but opposes funding programs to make bike use safer for everyone.
“The problem is they see it only as a fun recreational activity, and not as a federal transportation need,” says Caron Whitaker, vice president of policy for the League of American Bicyclists. “It comes down to what they see as the role of government in our lives versus the role of bicycling. Until they see people biking in their district for transportation reasons, [that’s not likely to change].”
Related: How to Use Bike Lanes Without Being a Jerk
Getting people riding, however, presents a Catch-22 of sorts: Many won’t start biking until roads appear safer.
“Nearly all bicycling takes place on public roads or on public land,” says People for Bikes President Tim Blumenthal. “Government sets the rules and shapes the riding experiences. Rand Paul may be experienced enough and comfortable enough on a bike to not be bothered when he's pedaling next to fast moving cars and trucks. But most Americans don't feel this way and are seriously concerned about their safety. So they ride less, or not at all.”
Paul’s Press Secretary Eleanor May was unable to immediately respond for comment.
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