National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik rode a bicycle to the National Assembly to join the government's vehicle rationing program, which restricts cars based on the last digit of their license plates one day per week.
Woo posted on his Facebook page Wednesday that "the current oil price and energy situation is very grave." He added, "Today, I rode my bicycle from my official residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul to join the one-in-five vehicle rationing program." He also shared a photo of himself cycling in full riding gear with a safety helmet.
"I usually ride my bicycle when I feel stiff or need exercise, and today happened to be the day my car was supposed to rest, so I thought it actually worked out well," Woo said. "It was a commute where I could feel spring with my whole body."
"Riding a bicycle goes beyond using less energy — it actually creates new energy for our bodies," Woo said. "The energy crisis is a challenge we must all tackle together. I will continue making small everyday efforts, starting with myself."
The government implemented the vehicle rationing program amid surging oil prices triggered by the Middle East crisis. Leaders across party lines in the National Assembly have also joined the effort. Jeong Cheong-rae, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, recently commuted by subway and bus, while Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of the ruling People Power Party, took the National Assembly shuttle bus to work.