Tulsa's mayor rides bike to work

Tulsa's mayor rode his bike to work Friday. He wants to encourage other folks to do the same, for their health and the health of the city's air. <br><br>News on Six reporter Lori Fullbright found

Friday, September 20th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Tulsa's mayor rode his bike to work Friday. He wants to encourage other folks to do the same, for their health and the health of the city's air.

News on Six reporter Lori Fullbright found other bike commuters along the way, one who rides 60 miles every day. Despite a hectic schedule, Mayor Bill LaFortune slowed down long enough to take a bike ride to work with some friends. â€œThis is a great way to get to know the roads better."

Even more important, bike riding cuts down on car pollution, which LaFortune says is a big deal in Tulsa. "We have serious issues with air quality and we get on the dirty air list again, it would be a travesty for Tulsa in terms of our economy."

Sandra Crisp rides her bike to work every day, about seven miles one-way. It helps that her bike folds up like a pretzel and fits under her desk. "I've lost a lot of weight, 55 pounds in the past two years. I feel better and people tell me I have a happier attitude, so, it's really invigorated me." Back on the trail, LaFortune's still pedaling. "Good Morning." LaFortune was impressed how courteous the drivers were and says fear should stop no one from giving this a try. "It's very safe out there."

Michael Wolters rides to work in Tulsa from Claremore most days. The 30-mile one-way trip takes him an hour and a half. "What do I tell people who think I'm nuts? That they should try it in the morning when the sun is coming up and they might have a different way of looking at it if they tried it."

The final stretch of LaFortune's trip to city hall winds down; he takes with him some ideas about improving bike traffic on the streets and a sense that he's done something good for himself and the city.