February 9, 2010
- Roseburg, Oregon
Governor bikes to work, says fuel costs threaten budget
Gov. Kulongoski, center, arrived at the capitol building Monday morning by bicycle. By Melica Johnson and KATU Web Staff
SALEM, Ore. - Oregon's governor donned bicycle gear and pedaled his mountain bike from his residence to the state capitol building Monday and challenged other state workers to do the same.
Gov. Kulongoski said his commute by bicycle was a challenge to the 8,500 people who work at the capitol complex to find ways to save fuel over the summer months as the continually climbing cost of fuel is expected to hit Oregon's upcoming budget hard. He said he wants state workers to bike, walk, carpool and use mass transit to get to the office in order to save 25,000 gallons of fuel over the summer. "If the governor can get on a bicycle and ride this summer, it is a symbol to the rest of us," Kulongoski said after arriving. "We all have to change." He added that if the capitol employees adjusted their habits just a small amount, over 100,000 gallons of fuel could be saved and 500 tons of greenhouse gas emissions could be avoided. Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney joined Kulongoski's effort by taking the bus to work, and he also stressed that fuel costs are a major concern for the next state budget. He said fuel costs could mean cuts in other programs planned for the next budget cycle. Kulongoski also stressed that choices that reduce fuel use also help cut greenhouse gasses which fuel global warming. Upon arrival at the capitol building, Kulongoski put his bicycle over his shoulder and quickly scaled the stairs as some staffers snapped photos of the helmeted politician. His bicycle was outfitted with a small pack and Kulongoski also wore a backpack while riding. A small security detail bicycled with him. Kulongoski admitted he could not bike to work every day but that he would try do so as much as possible. In April, Kulongoski walked from the governor's mansion to the capitol in honor of Earth Day. 
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