Bike To Vote, Vote To Bike

 

Today is Election Day here in the US.

May the best (wo)man win!

A Cyclist’s Vote

 I voted yesterday. It You probably know my pick for President. And you surely know that at least one factor in my choice is that bicycling has been an integral part of my life.

Neither Kamala Harris nor Donald Trump addressed cycling directly. And neither said much about transportation per se. Both, however, have stated positions that could affect cycling, for racers, fitness riders, commuters and recreational riders alike, as well as those who say, “I’d ride, but…”

That last category of would-be cyclists is most likely to complete that statement with “I don’t feel safe “ or words to that effect. While Vice President Harris hasn’t indicated that transportation is one of her priorities, she has supported climate initiatives which, of course, are beneficial to the development of multi-modal transportation—and one of those modes is cycling.

She has also made safety in general a part of her campaign. That would mean, among other things, improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists on and along roadways.

On the other hand, Project 2025–to which Trump claims no connection even though, ahem, his running-mate JD Vance wrote the foreword—includes an infrastructure agenda that emphasizes broad deregulation and private investment. Such policies tend to favor large, auto-centric projects like highways and bridges. And during his Presidency, the Department of Transportation under Elaine Chao (Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s wife) adopted a hands-off approach to cycling and walking infrastructure.

Mentioning her marriage to, arguably, the most powerful person besides the President is not gratuitous on my part. You see, the makeup of Congress also hinges on this election. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which President Joe Biden signed in 2021, is set to expire in 2026. Whether or not it’s renewed could depend on whether the Legislature has a Democratic or Republican majority. And that could be influenced by the Presidential election, as people tend to vote with their party.

Even if I hadn’t taken the time to learn what I’ve described, I could have voted against Trump, given his hostility towards cyclists. And women.  And immigrants. And transgender people.