Articles Discovery on the cycling road Lifestyle Mr Old Man World Leaders on Two Wheels: The Politicians Who Love Biking By Mr Old Man Posted on 3 days ago 7 min read 0 0 13 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Google+ Share on Reddit Share on Pinterest Share on Linkedin Share on Tumblr When you think of world leaders, images of formal suits, summits, and speeches probably come to mind. But behind the podium, some politicians are swapping motorcades for mountain bikes. From American presidents to European monarchs, cycling has long been a favorite pastime of many global figures. Joe Biden: Pedaling Through Politics Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, has often been seen cycling with First Lady Dr. Jill Biden near their home in Delaware. Two notable events highlight his love for biking: in June 2021, he gifted a custom-made bicycle to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson during the G7 Summit; and in June 2022, he made headlines after falling off his bike while riding with his wife on Rehoboth Beach. Former US President Joe Biden rides bike with former first lady Jill Biden Donald Trump and the Tour de Trump Though not a fan of cycling himself, Donald Trump made his mark in the cycling world by founding the “Tour de Trump,” a professional race modeled after the Tour de France. However, he has often mocked political rivals for their cycling mishaps, including Biden’s fall and John Kerry’s injury during negotiations in France. Cycling Presidents of the USA Aside from Lyndon Johnson, nearly every recent U.S. President has been seen on a bike at some point. Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, Richard Nixon, and John F. Kennedy all enjoyed a ride now and then. Barrack Obama George H.W. Bush Ronald Regan Gerald Ford Richard Nixon John F. Kennedy John F. Kennedy perhaps said it best: “Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.” George W. Bush & Jimmy Carter: Passionate Pedalers George W. Bush is known for his love of mountain biking, often celebrating birthdays with trail rides. Jimmy Carter, along with wife Rosalynn, was an avid cyclist throughout his life. Even after leaving office, the Carters maintained a routine of biking four to six days a week. George W. Bush Jimmy Carter Other American Politicians Who Bike From Senators Mitt Romney and Rand Paul to Secretary of State John Kerry and Senator Chuck Schumer, many American politicians turn to bicycles for both exercise and recreation. Mitt Romney Rand Paul World Leaders Who Bike The list of biking world leaders is long and diverse. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, former French Presidents Nicolas Sarkozy and François Hollande, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson have all been spotted cycling. So too have members of the British royal family, including King Charles III, Princess Diana, and their sons William and Harry. Vladimir Putin Racep Tayjip Erdogan In the Netherlands, cycling is a way of life. With more bikes than people, it’s common to see King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima, and Prime Minister Mark Rutte commuting by bike. King Willem Alexander & Queen Maxima Mark Rutte A Gift That Comes with a Price Boris Johnson’s bike from Biden came with a twist. Under UK law, gifts to ministers belong to the government. If the gift exceeds £140, the recipient must pay the difference to keep it. Johnson reportedly declined to pay £1000 for the custom bike, but now that he’s left office, will he change his mind? Biden gives Boris Johnson an American – made bike (Getty Images) Vietnamese Politicians: A Cycling Past? What about Vietnamese politicians? Most likely, they pedaled plenty in their youth—possibly more than their global counterparts. But today, bicycles seem to have disappeared from their routines. A relic of the past, or a habit ready for revival? Former Prime Minister Phạm Văn Đồng’s bicycle Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính is cycling with his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte In Conclusion World leaders may clash on policy, but many share a simple, wholesome love: the joy of cycling. Whether for fitness, fun, or the environment, the humble bicycle unites people in a way few things can. —- Mr. Old Man P.S. This article was inspired by and includes images from American blogger “The DC Bike Blogger.”