Today Gov. Bill Richardson issued a proclamation declaring May 11-15 New Mexico's official "Bike to Work" week. Among his stated reasons (full doc here) :

WHEREAS, the economic, environmental and health effects of a car-dependent world are extensive and far reaching; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico has assumed a nationwide leadership role in the advancement of ground-breaking energy efficiency policies and practices to promote and implement energy conservation, renewable energy development, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency measure; and

WHEREAS, as part of New Mexico's “Lead by Example” initiative it is the goal of all Executive Branch state agencies to achieve a 20 percent usage reduction below 2005 levels in the state fleet and transportation-related activities by 2015 based on the average transportation-related energy usage per state employee; and

WHEREAS, bicycle commuting is an effective means to improve air quality, reduce traffic congestion and noise, and to conserve energy;

Well, the governor isn't exactly leading by example. Spokesman Gilbert Gallegos tells SFR that, no, the governor will not be riding his bike to work this week. However, he does, indeed, own a bike.