Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Barack Obama

Eyes on the Street, Presidential Campaign Edition

Obama_bike.jpg

The Associated Press reports that Senator Barack Obama, taking a brief respite before launching his general election bid, enjoyed a bike ride with his family this weekend:

TheIllinois senator and his wife, Michelle, rode to a neighbor's housewith their daughters, Malia and Sasha, on Sunday and the group thenheaded out for the ride along the scenic lake shore. But the outing wascut short by a downpour.

After the 2004 presidential campaign, in which both candidates attracted attention for riding bikes (and falling off them), it's refreshing to see a nominee on two wheels who is neither A) biking in the woods, nor B) straddling an $8000 Serotta while clad in spandex. Obama stayed upright and apparently rode with one of his daughters in tow (none of the AP photos actually show who or what is attached to his trailer).

And who knows, a president familiar with what it's like to ride in a city might indeed act on his pro-bike campaign rhetoric.

Photo: Associated Press

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Agenda 2026: Will Zohran Mamdani’s Left-Progressive Backers Mobilize for Faster Buses?

The new mayor must mobilize the coalition that got him elected if he wants to avoid his recent predecessors' failure to speed up buses.

December 1, 2025

‘Easy Win’: Uptowners Want To Keep Deteriorating Henry Hudson Parkway Off-Ramp Car-Free

The shuttered off-ramp off the Henry Hudson Parkway has become a draw for local residents.

December 1, 2025

Memo to Mamdani: When It Comes to Faster Buses, The Challenge Is Political

The solutions for faster bus service are obvious — it’s the politics that always get in the way, writes a former MTA bus official.

December 1, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: Canal Street This Time Edition

More violent battles in public space. Plus other news.

December 1, 2025

Not So Fast! We Rode NYC Ferry with Would-Be Council Speaker Amanda Farías

Council Member Julie Menin claims she has the votes to be the next Speaker, but Bronx Council Member Amanda Farías has shown a lot more interest in livable streets issues.

November 28, 2025

Book Excerpt Special: Jonathan Lethem’s ‘Program’s Progress’

Class struggle. Infirm secondary superheroes. Suicidal sheep. It’s all in Jonathan Lethem's new collection of short stories, "A Different Kind of Tension." Here's one — featuring class struggle with cars!

November 28, 2025
See all posts