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Free the Denis McDonough Ten (Speed)!
News has been filtering in for days about the appointment of Denis McDonough to be President Obama’s new Chief of Staff.
We’ve been paying particular attention because he lives not far from the League’s own Scott Williams in Takoma Park, Md. In fact, they are passing acquaintances… i.e. McDonough usually passes Scott on his bike ride to work.
McDonough’s appointment was made official late last week, along with the shocking news that the new Chief of Staff may not be able to continue riding his bike to work. That, according to President Obama, “probably isn’t allowed.”
The League’s office is only a couple of blocks from the White House and we haven’t banned Scott from riding to work – so we don’t think it’s the distance or lack of a decent route that’s the issue. And I am sure Scott would offer to ride along with Denis in their own little bike train, if that would make the difference; we can be flexible with Scott’s hours, Mr. President.
Along with our colleagues at the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, we’re sure the cycling community can come up with the Top Ten Reasons Why Denis Should Be Allowed to Ride His Bike to Work…
- the fitness of his security detail will set a new standard for the entire White House
- he’ll never get stuck in traffic in times of emergency
- there’s always plenty of bike parking space on the White House railings
- he’ll never have to leave a critical security briefing “becasue my carpool is leaving now”
- didn’t you sign an Executive Order on Sustainability that encourages this sort of thing?
Help us round out the top ten by posting in the comments below or sharing your ideas on Twitter using the hashtag #letdenisride.
Andy Clarke
League President
Andy Clarke was appointed to the position of Executive Director in April of 2004 after successfully leading efforts to create, interpret and implement the various transportation programs that are available to improve conditions for bicycling and walking as the League’s State and Local Advocacy Director. Before joining the League in February 2003, Clarke was on contract to provide technical assistance to the highly regarded Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center on site at the Federal Highway Administration. He is on the Board of Directors for America Bikes, and a member of the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycling Professionals.
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January 28th, 2013 at 10:40 am
My tax dollars pay for Dennis’s health care, I want this man as healthy as possible.
January 28th, 2013 at 10:54 am
For security purposes they should close his bike route to car traffic. Other cyclists and transit would be welcome to use it of course.
January 28th, 2013 at 11:04 am
Because it is always good to lead by example.
January 28th, 2013 at 11:08 am
President Obama and the First Lady strolled down the Pennsylvania Ave center bike lanes on inauguration day and I thought how great it would be to get them to bike it together. To that end, the Secret Service detail supporting Denis’ ride every day would familiarize them with the route, the issues, motorist tendencies, and make them experts at bike escorts such that POTUS could do it. Excellent on-the-job training I’d say.
January 28th, 2013 at 11:32 am
The new Chief of Staff will arrive to work alert, energized, and ready to work hard!
January 28th, 2013 at 11:33 am
He’s not alone – acting GSA Administrator Dan Tangherlini and Dept. of Energy Secretary Steven Chu are (or were?) active bike commuters. LaHood and Rogoff have even been known to pedal to the office.
If the White House is to ever be a BFB, they’ll certainly need to address this policy. Not to mention, someone has to use the private CaBi station to help keep the system’s bikes balanced.
January 28th, 2013 at 11:53 am
Everyone should be able to choose this method of transportation. It is healthy, easy,fun,and most of all would set an example for others who want to be and stay healthy!
January 28th, 2013 at 12:00 pm
Denis’s Minnesota roots mean that he can readily handle DC’s winters. The summers … not so much. Ride on, Denis!
January 28th, 2013 at 12:18 pm
Why does the WH Chief of Staff need a security detail?
January 28th, 2013 at 12:27 pm
I believe that his thinking may be adversely affected, I mean he may begin to think for himself and I am sure that the regime wouldn’t like him thinking for himself.
January 28th, 2013 at 12:54 pm
[...] The League of American Cyclists’ Andy Clarke created #letdenisride over at the LAC’s blog. He’s already come up with five reasons to keep McDonough in a bike seat over the Metro or an [...]
January 28th, 2013 at 1:08 pm
[...] League of American Bicyclist’s asks the same question. No doubt his role as Chief of Staff carries a higher profile than his previous gig as Deputy [...]
January 28th, 2013 at 1:46 pm
We all know that even in private companies top staff rarely travel on the same plane (and sometimes that is even mandated).
This guy won’t even share a 4 person car.
I would hope that the secret service detail is sufficiently fit to do thier job and ride with him.
January 28th, 2013 at 2:10 pm
Would appointment to this job limit Denis’ freedom of choice in dietary preference? Reading choices? Sports interest? Residence neighborhood? Religious affiliation? Then why transportation choice?
I am reminded of Mr Obama’s own angst at having to give up his BlackBerry when he took office. I thought then that the Presidency was the best bully pulpit from which to attack “We’ve always done it this way”, and I think that is the case here as well.
January 28th, 2013 at 2:46 pm
Maybe Michelle Obama can weigh in. She’s been pushing fitness for some time. Plus, one way to keep the costs of Obamacare under control is to stay fit.
January 28th, 2013 at 3:09 pm
The PRESIDENT said it “probably isn’t allowed”? REALLY? The President is the final arbiter in this issue; if he has time to SAY THAT, he has time to overrule it. There is NO reason not to; obviously, punctuality hasn’t been an issue, vulnerability, either. “Let the man ride, Mr. President! You know you want to — and you want to JOIN him!”
January 28th, 2013 at 4:03 pm
How about some leadership by example, Mr. President?
January 28th, 2013 at 4:17 pm
The morning staff meeting will be kept short because the CoS has to shower after his ride in (at least during summer months). White House staff productivity will increase because less time will be spent in unproductive meetings.
January 28th, 2013 at 5:02 pm
Because just like kids, adults perform better after a bike ride into work!
http://www.davisenterprise.com/local-news/news-columns/davis-bicycles-car-children-learn-less-in-school/
January 28th, 2013 at 7:03 pm
Sounds like “Let Denis Ride!” is the new “Let Levi Ride”… we’re pulling for you Denis (though it sounds like we’d have a hard enough time staying on /your/ wheel).
January 28th, 2013 at 8:25 pm
cut down fossil fuel pollution, stay healthier,arrive alert. use (natural gas!) teach other americans that cyclists are not wimps.
January 28th, 2013 at 8:29 pm
teach americans how to be healthier and that cyclists are not wimps. just one person cycling reduces one car’s pollution. i’m 70 and i challange president obama to a 50 mile bicycle ride.
January 28th, 2013 at 8:35 pm
I set up a “We the People Petition” to ask President Obama Allow White House Chief of Staff, Denis McDonough, to continue riding his bike to work.
Please check it out and Sign the Petition.
http://wh.gov/VX1X
January 28th, 2013 at 9:05 pm
Reson 24: In part, I voted for Obama because, I have seen pictures of him riding a bicycle. Some of those pictures are hanging in the Baltimore City Department of Planning. Obama rides a bike! He’s my hero! But now, he’s trying to stop his Chief of Staff from riding a bike??? I don’t get it.
January 28th, 2013 at 10:25 pm
I’m a Minnesotan, too, and we’re a healthy bunch. We LOVE being outside, running, cycling and skiing. Please let this man ride his bike and continue to be healthy – he’ll need it! He’s got a tough job. I suggest that he purchase a Specialized Roubaix OR S-Works. These 2 bikes are magnificent.
January 29th, 2013 at 9:00 am
[...] Bike League Offers a Ride Buddy If the White House Will Let the New Chief of Staff Bike to Work [...]
January 29th, 2013 at 9:23 am
Government works best when employees are on time and projects are on budget. Bicycling eliminates traffic jams and reduces fuel dpendency. Healthy lifestyle – go Denis!
January 29th, 2013 at 9:39 am
Because it’s going to be hard to fit in a workout while working such crazy hours. He might as well get one in on his commute!
January 29th, 2013 at 11:20 am
Cycling to work benefits everyone’s health. Let him ride!
January 29th, 2013 at 11:37 am
[...] even biked to work (with a security detail, Mr. [...]
January 29th, 2013 at 1:33 pm
Ask David Letterman’s writers contribute to the top 10 list!
January 29th, 2013 at 2:32 pm
[...] League and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association teamed up yesterday to ask why the White House should #letdenisride. The responses poured in on Twitter, Facebook and in the [...]
January 30th, 2013 at 9:19 am
[...] allowing all staff to ride to work if they want to is an important step. Last week, President Barack Obama said his new Chief of Staff, Denis [...]
January 30th, 2013 at 3:27 pm
Obama should support green transportation! Face it, he’s not gonna ride his bike everyday – how about a compromise at least?
January 31st, 2013 at 9:38 am
[...] allowing all staff to ride to work if they want to is an important step. Last week, President Barack Obama said his new Chief of Staff, Denis [...]
January 31st, 2013 at 12:10 pm
A study published online earlier this month in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that mental health benefits were observed after 20 minutes of physical activity, though the more exercise and higher intensity, the better the effects. Which means that doing the recommended 30 minutes a day of aerobic activity will cover your brain as well as your heart.
A smarter Chief of Staff benefits us all.
February 8th, 2013 at 12:23 pm
Don’t make me call Michelle!
February 8th, 2013 at 1:03 pm
People, please stop wondering if Secret Service agents will have to get in better shape to ride along with our new Chief of Staff on a daily bike commute. Fitness is a way of life with protection details; these guys jog alongside moving cars! Besides, they mountain biked some serious mileage as they protected the last President Bush and he was apparently no slacker in that department. If Denis chooses to bicycle to work, any protection detail will be quite prepared to do their job. It’s not like a short bike commute takes all that much effort anyway.