Mary Peters: Big Oil's Sexy Spokesperson says: "Bikes Kill People on Bridges" RAWR!!!

I am way behind the times. WAAAAY behind. I miss stuff, lots and lots of important stuff. Like this comment by Mary Peters, Secretary of Transportation.



Huh...

I'm trying to wrap my head around this one but I doubt that Mary's assertions that Bicycles are somehow to blame for the Minnesota bridge collapse are accurate. I think they figured out that the cause was structural failure and poor engineering. Something having to do with 1/2" steal plates instead of the 3/4" steal that was designated by the engineers who designed it. You know, I think this has something to do with a combination of some DOT "oversight", heavy ass cars and trucks and not bicycles, since they're not allowed on that bridge. BUUUUT I could be wrong. It also could be the millions of dollars in Bridge Project money that Congress rescinded from the states, or that whole "Lowest Bidder" thing that government agencies are so fond of...

I also like how Mary has done a complete 180 from comments she made in 2002 regarding bicycle transportation. She said, and I quote: "Many people in our country use bikes for more than recreation. For them, bikes are their vehicle for the commute to work and for the errands of daily life. We need every mode of transportation to keep America mobile. What modes did you use to get to your hotel? Very few of us depend on a single mode. I strongly agree with Secretary Mineta, bicyclists are an integral part of our nation’s transportation system and we all need to work together to develop a better more balanced transportation system that provides facilities and programs for bicyclists on a routine basis."

Hmmmm...

From "We need to work together to develop a more balanced transportation system" to "the millions spent on bike lanes made the bridge collapse" sure does seem like a bit of waffling. But what would I know? I'm only college grad with a degree in Rhetoric. I find it interesting that in the last 8 years there has been a definite attitude of "Get in line with the Administration or kick rocks". I'm pretty sure this about face has something to do with that and Bush's love for oil, his lust for absolute power, and his obvious disregard for truth and honest discourse. But then again, what would I know since that Degree only includes a minor in Poli Sci.