Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Ad Nauseam

State Farm Looks to Engage Cycling Community

Responding to criticism of an ad depicting a humiliated office worker forced to bike to his job due to high gas prices, State Farm Director of Marketing Communications Tim Van Hoof writes:

I’m sorry this commercial offended anyone. State Farm has been asupporter of bicycle safety through the thousands of bicycle rodeoswe’ve held for children throughout the US and Canada, and we are opento discussion about how State Farm may be able to work with thebicycling community in the future.

This advertisement is part of an overall campaign where we attemptto capture consumers talking about points in their lives. Our intentionis to recognize and empathize with these everyday challenges, andprovide ways State Farm can help.

State Farm is also very concerned about doing what we can to improvehealth, safety and the environment in our communities. If you'd likemore information on what we’re doing, go to statefarm.com.

To View the overall ad campaign please go to: https://youtube.com/watch?v=profile_videos?user=statefarm

Thanks for writing, Tim. Streetsbloggers, what can State Farm and other insurers do to improve conditions for cyclists and others who routinely get around without a car? Pay-by-the-mile auto insurance? Cessation of the use of the word "accident" in referring to every car crash? An auto fatality trust fund to pay for safe streets initiatives?

Other suggestions?

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

‘Cart Before Horse’: Upper West Siders Demand NYPD Halt Bike Crackdown

Here's a different kind of community feedback for Commissioner Tisch.

May 21, 2025

Proudly Anti-Safety: Brooklyn Pol Boasts of Getting DOT To ‘Pause’ Long Promised Bike Lanes

Even painted bike lanes are too "woke" for the MAGA warrior of Southern Brooklyn, Council Member Inna Vernikov.

May 21, 2025

‘Stop Super Speeders’ Bill Advances in Senate Committee

A bill that would prevent the most-reckless drivers from speeding easily moved forward on Tuesday. But that doesn't mean its passage is assured.

May 21, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: Rising Out of the Valley Edition

Congestion pricing keeps getting more popular. Plus other news.

May 21, 2025

Why Did Secretary Duffy Decimate University Transportation Centers?

University Transportation Centers are "where innovation happens." Earlier this month, though, the Trump administration took a sledgehammer to their budgets.

May 20, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Share the Love Edition

Citi Bike's workers are backing Brad Lander for mayor while their bosses at Lyft chip in on Andrew Cuomo's PAC. Plus more news.

May 20, 2025
See all posts