Hispanic Texas Legislators Champion Pedal Power at Democratic National Convention

DENVER — Six Hispanic legislators from Texas and more than 30 members of the Lone Star state’s delegation pedaled through the streets of Denver today to emphasize the importance of physical activity in fighting obesity, diabetes and other health conditions afflicting the Hispanic community. In addition to enjoying the fun of bike riding, the Texas delegates also showcased the health and environmental benefits of bicycling and bike sharing.

The ride, called Freewheelin con La Raza, took place on the final day of the Democratic National Convention, site of the country’s biggest bike-sharing program to date: Freewheelin. Bike sharing is an international social movement that makes bikes available throughout cities for short-term use.

Texas State Representatives taking part in the ride were: Carol Alvarado (D-Houston), Rafael Anchia (D-Dallas), Norma Chavez (D-El Paso), Trey Martinez Fischer (D-San Antonio), Ana E. Hernandez (D-Harris County), and Eddie Lucio III (D-Cameron County). Also, former San Antonio mayor and U.S. Housing and Urban Development secretary Henry Cisneros addressed the Texas delegation before they departed on their ride.

“Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control paint a starkly unhealthy future for Hispanics who don’t exercise. We are more likely to be obese than non-Hispanics, twice more likely to be diagnosed as diabetic than non-Hispanics, and 50 percent more likely to die from diabetes than non-Hispanics,” said Rep. Martinez Fischer. “I encourage Hispanics or anyone looking to improve their health to find a fun and engaging exercise like bicycling and incorporate it into their lives.”

Freewheelin, which debuted at the Democratic convention – and moves on to the Republican National Convention next week – is an innovative bike-sharing program developed by Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) and cycling advocacy organization Bikes Belong. The program is bringing 1,000 bikes to Denver and Minneapolis-St. Paul for ...