Elections and biking

For the elections, as I had done on previous occasions, I sent each candidate a message to ask them what their position was regarding the safety of on-road bicycling in Virginia. The message went like this:

In the past 5 years, I have ridden my bicycle 38750 miles on the road in several countries in Europe (France, Spain, Switzerland), and in the US ( Colorado, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, North Carolina, Delaware and Florida).
Not only there is no comparison between Europe, where authorities go to great length to make bicycling safe, and the US, entirely devoted to the automobile, but Virginia stands as one of the most bicycle unfriendly states, and Tidewater as probably the worse area in Virginia.
On its Web site, Virginia DOT is quite specific in warning bicyclists that roads in Virginia are not intended to accommodate them and might be unsafe for riding.

Quote "Most on-road riding opportunities share the roadways with motor vehicles, most without special accommodations, such as wide travel lanes or bike lanes. Throughout the state, scenic routes enjoyed by bicyclists are often on roads with narrow pavement, little or no shoulders, and curves and hills that limit sight distance. The off-road rides range from family-oriented outings on paved trails to rigorous climbs up heavily forested mountainsides. The safety of any of these options is not guaranteed. Bicyclists should thoroughly educate themselves about routes and areas where they are planning to ride, and then choose routes that suit their abilities." unquote

Not only do unsafe riding conditions cost lives and injuries to bicyclists hit by cars, but it also discourages many people from using an alternative mode of transportation which is healthy, economical and environment friendly.
If you were elected, what specific initiative would you sponsor, support or propose to improve safety of bicycling on the roads of Virginia in general, and of Hampton Roads in particular ?

The only meaningful conversation resulting from those messages came from the office (not the candidate himself) of one of the candidates, who did not make it anyway. But this provided me, if need be, with confirmation that bicycling in Virginia is certainly not yet an issue that is of concern to any of the politicians. I am still hoping for a $6/gallon gas . . .