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Iowa Caucuses On Bikes
On January 3rd, 2008, Iowans gathered at the
precincts to select a new president. On this historic occasion, many
choose to express their vote, by bicycling to the caucus and
presenting a resolution that
outlined how we need to focus on bicycling as a solution to health,
environment, economy, and transportation. The resolution passed in a
number of precincts:
| Iowa City 17 (Dem) |
North Liberty 2 (Dem) |
Central Ames (Dem) |
| Scott County B31 (Dem) |
Iowa City 8 (Dem) |
Waukon 1 |
| Mason City (Dem) |
Polk County 54 (Dem) |
Des Moines 53 (Dem) |
| Iowa City 18 (Dem) |
Sioux City |
Hampshire Township (Clinton) |
Listed below are the photos and stories: |
 So
we accepted the orphanage's challenge and rode our bikes to our caucus,
presented the resolution, and I guess it was accepted.We didn't really
know what to do with our resolution so we gave out some copies and gave a
copy each to two of the people who seemed to be in charge. Then after we
got in our groups and got delegates people started to leave. So we asked
the two in charge and they said that we were the only ones that brought
anything so they would just take it on to the next stage since they didn't
have anything else competing for the platform. I guess democracy is
easier in a small town.
 We
were in Allamakee County, Precinct Waukon 1
Lee & Andrea Venteicher
We were, sadly, the only ones who biked to the caucus.
Here is me feeling silly after our resolution "passed" due to general
apathy.
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 When
the great history book is written, included in the chapter covering the
presidential campaign of 2008 will be this significant footnote:
"three brave, committed citizens of iowa put their politics where their
asses are and rode bicycles to their respective precinct caucus. two in
the tiny, picturesque northeast allamakee county community of waukon, and
one in the liberal urban enclave of the northwest side of des moines
proper. as a result of their dedication and efforts on a cold, clear,
crisp and history-making night in january, a resolution supporting the
rights of bicyclists became the principal plank of the democratic
platform, and revolutionized transportation in the united states,
ultimately freeing america from its lethal addiction to foreign oil AND
helping to revolutionize the reorientation of the medical profession from
a treatment-oriented field to a wellness and prevention endeavor.
"sadly, the names of these three cyclists/patriots/heroes is not known."
outside hubbell elementary school, i unwittingly tested the camera.
the paper indicates i AM at the right location.
the mostly reverend opted for a fixed gear bike, a late-60s schwinn
"racer,"
a nod to his first participation in national politics in 1968, and to his
intransigent
attitudes and political resoluteness, often confused as crustiness and
obstreperousness.
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 Senator
Joe Bolkcom at Iowa City presenting the IBC resolution.
 Senator
Joe Bolkcom without his bike -- his bikes had flat tires, missing chains,
and dead lights, so he had to walk. We are glad he walked to caucus and
presented the resolution.
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