White House urges bicycling; installs bike racks

According to an article in The Times, President Bush is urging more bicycling and other energy conservation measures:

Americans were urged yesterday to switch off lights, turn down their air-conditioning and drive more slowly to save energy. . . .

Samuel Bodman, the Energy Secretary, announced the drive in response to rising fuel prices as a result of recent hurricanes. To set an example, the White House was “pitching in” by switching off lights, adjusting air-conditioning, urging staff to cycle to work and by sending a Cabinet Secretary by train, rather than an aircraft, from Washington to New York. . . .

Mr Bodman, introducing his “Easy Ways to Save Energy” plan, said that Americans face a “particularly acute” need to save energy after disruptions by the hurricanes Katrina and Rita tightened supplies. More than a quarter of US oil production and nearly a fifth of its refining capacity is still out of action. . . .

Mr Bush has ordered federal employees to curb their travel and encouraged them to use public transport. Bicycle racks are being installed in the parking bay of the White House.