A health benefits provider and a bicycle advocacy group have teamed up to provide 1,000 bikes at the Democratic and Republic national conventions.

The idea is to spare everyone the congestion and carbon emissions, not to mention the excess calories that no doubt go along with a week of heavy-duty politicking.

In a show of bipartisan support, Democrat and Republican legislators have challenged the delegates to ride 25,000 miles over the course of the two conventions. The Democrats will convene Aug. 25-28 in Denver, the Republicans Sept. 1-4 in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Costs are being shared by Humana Inc., the health benefits provider, and Bikes Belong. They contend the program will constitute the biggest bike-sharing program in the U.S. to date.

“Freewheelin” bike stations will be at hotels and convention centers. Bikes will be available beginning at 7 a.m. each day and don’t have to be returned to a bike station — any bike station will do — until 7 p.m.

A new web site – www.freewheelinwaytogo.com – has been launched so participants can pre-register.
“The eyes of the world will be on Denver and Minneapolis-St. Paul for these historic conventions,” Jonathan T. Lord, Humana senior vice president and chief innovation officer, said in a statement.

“Bikes and bike sharing are a way for political leaders of the United States to demonstrate our nation’s commitment and leadership in health and sustainability to the rest of the world. We are challenging residents of both cities, delegates, delegations and media members to participate, compete and have fun!”