On this Bike to Work Day, US President George W. Bush is taking the theme to heart. This photo was snapped yesterday while he was taking a spin on an Israeli-made bicycle presented to him by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Despite his new wheels, Bush was in Saudi Arabia this morning asking for more gas from King Abdullah.
It was Bush's second attempt at persuading the oil-rich nation to pump out more fuel and drive down huge gas prices sucking US consumers dry. The first attempt in January was met with a wintry response. The kingdom said it would increase production only when the market justified it, and that production levels appeared normal. Some economists attribute the high prices to increased demand, rather than stingy supply.
In the effort to curtail the pump-crunch the National Sporting Goods Association is hoping to combat the shrinking numbers of bikers — the number of Americans who bike frequently dwindled almost 10 percent in 2007 to 3.7 million people — and encourage pedal-powered commutes. One Wisconsin man has made the big plunge — to see his story and some fuel-saving tips, read more.
A Wisconsin man said his "goal is to not use one drop of gas for 31 days." He says it's his personal stand against the oil companies. He's going cold-turkey — from a 300-mile a week truck habit, to all bike, all the time. He's even doing his 9-mile work commute on his bike. It's shocking him to shape, for sure. He's keeping track of miles biked and money saved and he'll compute his savings and donate that amount to a charity that provides food to children in Africa.
He sums his mission up like this:
"I think just with the gas prices being so high, everybody complains about it but no one ever really does anything about it. People continue to drive nonstop and not think about it, but I just wanted to take a stand and say, `I'm not gonna pay this much money for gas.'"
If hopping out of your car isn't in the cards, here's a list of gas-saving myths — filling your tank in the morning, for instance, doesn't do you much good. Are you hopping out of your car this morning? Does the idea of riding a bike on the road make you nervous? Should more people follow the Wisconsin man's lead? Should Saudi Arabia increase fuel production — or is the fuel pinch a blessing in disguise?
Isabella Oliver
Cyberjammies
Chloﾎ
It is really hard for some people to ride their bikes to work. If you work in a formal office, and it is a hot day, you can't exactly show up to work sweaty and disgusting. I think if you can bike, then you should bike. Not just for gas prices to go down, but it is healthy too! But again, it is not an option for many people.
I did not ride my bike today (I
riding bikes) but I always take public transit, so I do
my part everyday! 
As for Saudi Arabia, there are so many conflicting and contradicting stories going around that who the hell knows what they should do anymore? I am not looking forward to the war that will ensue over Antarctica though I can tell you that much.
1he looks kinda silly on that bike!
2Cine_lover, I agree. I would bike to work if my two offices weren't 50 miles away or on the other side of a river. I wish public transportation and car poolinig would take hold outside of the Northeast. Or, if more companies and jobs could be done from home 1 day a week. I couldn't be happier on my days that I take the bus to the office when I can read, snooze, or do my makeup because I'm running late.
3good point cine! Not only would I be sweating buckets in 95 degree weather, 95% humidity - I'd also get run over by speeding cars since my city is too stupid to have sidewalks.
I like riding bikes too! Mountain biking is my favorite!!
4I love mountain biking. I need to get myself a new bike because I sold mine so I could afford to move.
5Oh and Sy, here in NYC you are not allowed to ride your bike on the sidewalk. I swear that the bikers in this city are more dangerous then the cars!
6My husband has been biking to the park and ride 9 miles both ways. He is getting in some much needed exercise and saving money. He is braver than I am, though because he has to bike on a two lane curvy road where drivers may not be mindful of a bike on the road. Then when he gets downtown where he works he has to navigate hostile drivers. He is loving doing it now, but I wonder how it will be in a few months. And I would love to somehow commute on bike with 3 kids but it isn't going to happen because sidewalks are scarce around here!
7We're taking a trip to Estes Park this summer and I can't wait to rent some bikes and hit the trails
8i could and would ride to work if I didn't have to cross a freeway and battle the psychos on the bridge to get here.
9Syako my daughter usually has basketball camp in Estes Park every year. This year though she is going to a daycamp instead, in Denver. LOng story, but she injured her hip and we're doing a less intense camp this year. Estes Park is beautiful!
BTW, is that Christian Bale?
I'm sorry guys I have a lot of favorites. 
10You are totally right too Cine.
11My biggest issue is showing up to work looking like a hot mess. I know it's shallow, but I'm the first person our client sees, and I feel like it's not really putting forth a professional image.
12Maybe on casual fridays?
harts - I got married in Estes Park. We absolutely love it!!
13I think you're work would need to have showers available in order to be able to ride a bike to work...
14harts I thought you were asking if Bush was Christian Bale
15Be nice if we had those, syako. But then my boss would probably think of reasons to keep us here all night. "What are you worried about?? We have a shower right here!"
16I ride horses.
17cine_lover, I have people at my job that bikes and show up all sweaty and they work the hold day without cleaning up. Even though our city has a bike park (where you can park your bike in a garage) and they have a free shower there to use for people who bike into the city.
18Cine! That is funny!
*gasp*
19I knew it Syako! I saw your lovely pictures, and thought that looks like Colorado!
NOw I have to go. My cutie pie boy is wanting to go to the lake. Sorry ya'll he wins over.
20People ride their bikes to work on Capitol Hill and the humidity in DC is miserable, the t.v. stations I worked for all had several bike riders. And here in L.A., I know lawyers who ride their bikes to work, in t-shirts and shorts, then clean up in the rest room at work. Admittedly, my hair would be a miserable frizzy mess if I biked, but I take the bus.
21I would feel really gross if I couldn't take a shower. I used to take the bus to work a couple years ago when I didn't have a car. It was so great, no sitting in traffic and I got so much reading done. Unfortunately, where I live now it takes WAY too long to get into Portland on public transit. Everyone here complains about paying more into the transit system, but I think if they actually understood how convenient a good one can be they'd be more willing to use it or pay for it. But you know those suburban yuppies, can't live without the SUVs.
22I live only 2 miles from work, 5 minute car ride if traffic isnt too bad, but i still wouldnt bike to work....I live in Florida...and work in a professional office. Now i could wear other clothes, and put my makeup on at work but i really wouldnt go that extra step to save gas.
23bush looks like the moron he is, i would love to ride a bike to work but we have to many crazies with no insurance on the streets
24Wanna know a deep, dark, embarassing secret? I don't know how to ride a bike. And I'm 25.
Never learned! I've gotten an offer from a cute guy to teach me though...haha!
I, too, am too far away from work to bike there (how does taking a bus and a train to work with a total transit time of about 55 minutes sound???) but this is a good idea for people who can do it. Or, you know, those who can bike. At least I can rollerblade!
25um em, tell us you accepted that offer! please. just don't ride in traffic. Only with him.
26I think it's stupid he's asking for more oil from Saudi Arabia. we have oil here, there is oil in other places. we're suffering to for too many corrupt deals that have backfired and instead of fixing them our own president is saying "just cope".
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