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Cross-country cyclists peddle global-warming awareness
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FarkRAPID CITY — Pedaling across South Dakota in the past few days, cross-country cyclist David Kroodsma said he has experienced firsthand some of the state’s alternative energy potential.
“Biking across this state you feel the wind, believe me,” said Kroodsma, of Amherst, Mass., one of two scientists making a cycling tour not only to increase awareness, but to offer simple solutions to the issues of climate change and global warming.
Although cycling is an obvious symbol of an environmentally friendly mode of traveling, that isn’t the purpose of their trip, Kroodsma, who arrived in Rapid City on Thursday, said. Traveling companion Bill Bradlee stayed behind in Wall.
“We’re not saying that everyone should ride a bike or live in a mud hut,” Kroodsma said.
“Our message is very simple: Global warming is a serious issue, and there are some really great solutions.”
Decreasing dependence on imported oil and increasing the efficient use of energy can be accomplished by doing home energy audits or by simply changing to more energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs, he said.
People should not give up driving, “but we should be demanding 100-mile-per-gallon cars,” he said.
States such as South Dakota have enormous economic potential to become energy producers through development of
wind farms and continued research on biofuels, including ethanol. “We should be relying on the Midwest, not the Middle East,” he said.
“We need to research better ways to produce bio-fuels,” he said. “They’re not going to do the research until we demand it.”
Kroodsma said he and Bradlee ride about six hours per day, often stopping to talk with people and update their Web site, RideforClimate.
“Fifty to 90 miles is a good day for us,” Kroodsma said.
“I love bicycling because you get to see everyone and stop in every little town,” he said.
Kroodsma, 28, earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Stanford University and was formerly employed at the Carnegie Institution of Washington’s Department of Global Ecology. He has bicycled 15,000 miles from California to the tip of South America.
Bradlee, 39, received his master’s in environmental studies from The Evergreen State College in his native Pennsylvania and has worked for the Union of Concerned Scientists and the League of Conservation Voters.
Kroodsma said he originally expected more resistance to global-warming issues in the generally conservative Midwest but says the pair’s message has been well-received.
“This shouldn’t be a liberal or conservative issue,” he said. “It disappoints me that it has been politicized.
“Global warming affects the whole world, but we as Americans have a special opportunity to make a difference because we are such world leaders. If we lead, other nations will follow,” he said.
Kroodsma said the time is now to take action to stem the effects of climate change.
“It’s in the next decade that we’ll set ourselves on a different course for a better planet for our children and grandchildren,” he said.
On the Net:
Follow the environmental cyclists on their Web site, www.rideforclimate.com
Cross-country cyclist David Kroodsma negotiates traffic Thursday on Rapid City’s Main Street. Kroodsma, of Amherst, Mass., and another cyclist are touring the country to raise awareness of climate change and global warming issues. (Seth A. McConnell, Journal staff)
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