How to Talk to a Conservative About Cycling

Lest the actions of a handful of Republican governors sour transportation reformers on the party forever, today we bring bike advocates some conversation tips to introduce yourself, and your cause, to conservatives. As we all know, cycling is all about efficiency and self-reliance. Conservatives should love it!

Network blog Commute by Bike is showing the way to bring in supporters from the right side of the aisle, with a column by Tom Bowden, an avowed conservative who is also a cycling activist and a board member for BikeWalk Virginia. Bowden's advice is to focus on the economic and health benefits of cycling as an individual choice, while avoiding potentially controversial topics like climate change and ending American auto culture. Sounds tough, but here goes:

Thanks to Bowden for reminding us during these polarized times that bicycling and safer streets aren't tethered to any particular political ideology. A case in point: Tea Party congressional candidate Jim Schneller of Pennsylvania, who ran his campaign this fall for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District "50 percent by bike and 50 percent by public transportation."

Elsewhere on the Network today: Spacing Toronto reports that the local transit authority ran an impressive $60 million surplus this year, but local advocates aren't optimistic that the new administration will use the money to reinvest in the system. And UrbanSTL asks why we don't advise first-time parents to keep their babies safe by driving less.