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As Democrats yesterday encouraged people to ride their bicycles to work today as a solution to rising gas prices, Republicans had this to say: “You’ve got to be kidding.”

While more than 20,000 commuters throughout Denver metro today plan to ditch the car and participate in Bike to Work Day, some Republicans said cycling falls short of any real energy solutions.

“Colorado families are struggling at the pump and the answer we are getting from Colorado Democrats is shut down oil and gas production in Colorado and ride your bike — unbelievable,” said Rep. Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch. “I’d like to see how they expect a mother of three in my district to get her kids to school and to buy groceries for her family using a bicycle.”

Hit the road on your bike!

Meanwhile, State Rep. Andy Kerr, D-Lakewood, and Assistant Majority Leader Terrance Carroll, D-Aurora, straddled their bikes on the Cherry Creek bike path yesterday and pleaded with Coloradans to strap on the bike helmet, throw the briefcase in a saddle bag and head to work today on a bicycle. They say biking to work will encourage energy companies to lower the price of gas.

Bike to Work participants will save $80,000 today by not purchasing close to $4-per-gallon gas, they say.

This year’s Bike to Work event is expected to be the largest with more than 940 companies and around 20,000 commuters signed up to participate, double the participation number from last year, according to the Denver Regional Council of Governments, which is organizing the event.

Join the mayor and guv

Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper and Gov. Bill Ritter will join cycling commuters at Civic Center Park this morning at 7:45 to participate in one of 100 breakfast stations that will be located throughout the region from 6:30-9 a.m. 

But some Republicans feel a long bike ride is not the way to take a stand against the threat of $5 a gallon gasoline. They say that while they’re supportive of Bike to Work Day, cycling is not a realistic way to address skyrocketing gas prices.

And while renewable energy initiatives are positive, the Republicans say the answer is not to shut down oil and gas development in Colorado.

New mascot?

“Bill Ritter’s ‘New Energy Economy’ now has a mascot: it is the bicycling politician who thinks we can peddle our way to energy independence,” said Sen. Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction. “This is the most absurd, ridiculous and totally convincing explanation of why Colorado Democrats are clueless when it comes to addressing our energy crisis.”

Take precautions

If you are planning on biking to work today, doctors say you should take a few precautions to prevent injury and heat stroke before heading out on the road. No. 1: Wear a helmet. Dr. Kerry Broderick at Denver Health Medical Center recently had a car run a red light and plow into her at 25 mph while she was crossing Hampden Avenue in Englewood on her bicycle. She miraculously survived after spending some time in the intensive care unit. 

“The only thing that saved me is a helmet,” she said.

And with temperatures expected to reach 91 degrees today, you’ll want to dress in cool clothing, as well as drink plenty of electrolytes with salt — like Gatorade, said Broderick.

The Colorado Department of Transportation reminded motorists yesterday to use caution today and “share the road” with cyclists.

For more information on Bike to Work Day, visit DRCOG.org.

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