Cycling enthusiasts hope that they'll see Congressional gains

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http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/OR_CYCLE_POWER_OROL-?SITE=OREUG&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Cycling enthusiasts have visions of bicycle paths dancing in their heads after some of their biggest Congressional supporters - including two from Oregon - swept into powerful new positions after the Democrats took control of the U.S. House.

Rep. Jim Oberstar, D-Minn., who helped author the 1991 law that opened the door to federal funding for bike projects, is in line to become chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., a one-time bike mechanic, expects to chair the surface transportation subcommittee, which has broad jurisdiction over the nation's roads and bridges. And Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., founder of the Congressional Bicycle Caucus, will either hold a senior position on the transportation committee or move to the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee.

All three believe that bicycling can play an important role in both transportation and recreation.

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1. Cool!

I may explode from hope. Stand back.