GREAT FALLS – Bill Barron has a heart for climate issues and bicycling.
“The bike tour is kind of connecting my passion for cycling with advocating for what I really believe in,” said Barron, mountain west regional coordinator for the advocacy group Citizens’ Climate Lobby.
“We are national and non-partisan. We are focused on training volunteers to advocate for bipartisan climate solutions.”
His latest bike ride began in Pablo, western Montana. The weather forced him to detour around the south side of the glacier park. The longest stretch was more than 120 miles from Browning to Great Falls. From there he biked to Helena. Other stops will include Bozeman, Columbus, Red Lodge and Cody, Wyoming via the Beartooth Highway. With a couple days of rest combined, he will end up in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on June 30, if all goes according to plan.
At each stop, he has events planned to meet with his followers and the public to raise awareness about climate issues that can be difficult to talk about.
“Certainly people are concerned and a little frustrated by the politics that are making it a little more difficult to move forward on this issue,” Barron said. “But the reality is things are happening. We just have to continue to stand up for and defend what we think is important.”
Barron admits his message can be a tough sell in energy-rich states like Montana and Wyoming. He says we need to value the fossil fuel industry and realize it can play a role in the future.
“For example, we need to work on carbon capture and sequestration, which is something we will also need,” Barron said. “But it’s a path in the future. For us to really achieve what we need now, there are things we can do right now like these other tools, carbon capture and sequestration, nuclear power and other things. They are manufactured at scale and degree of usefulness”.
This is not the first time Barron has used his bicycle to raise awareness about climate issues.
He ran for federal office three times and biked a total of 2,500 miles as a single-issue climate candidate in Utah. He used his bicycle as a unique way to reach constituents, draw attention to the problem and discuss solutions.
While he does most of the work during his trip, he credits volunteers and support staff for helping spread the message.
“I really couldn’t do it without them. It’s nice to get through some snow storms and have a warm car to sit in for a minute along the way,” Barron said.
If you would like to learn more about the organization and Barron’s trip, click here.
Keynote USA
For the Latest Local News, Follow Keynote USA Local on Twitter.