I imagine this has blown up, so you might have seen it by now, but if not, the news is that LeBron James was snapped biking to work (a game) this last weekend. Pretty cool.

“Traffic was backed up because of a nearby marathon and LeBron decided to take another mode of transportation,” ESPN’s Tom Haberstroh writes. “The ride took 40 minutes and he safely arrived at the arena with plenty of time to spare.”

http://youtu.be/LorydX3fuaA

“It was good to get out in the open field this morning and get a bike ride in to be prepared for the day’s game.”—love it! And his response to a question about whether or not he should do it every day: “I think so.”—love it more!

I’ve been a Miami Heat fan since I was a teenager (I’m from Southwest Florida), but this makes me love LeBron James soooo much more. 😀

ESPN notes that Peter Lee (@peter1lee) is the man behind the picture, which was tweeted to some news agencies. However, the linked tweet with the photo says the photo is by Jack Balayla (@jackNtruth). If you can clarify, please do so.

This obviously sends a HUGELY positive message to King James lovers around the world regarding bicycling and, in particular, bicycling to work! Hopefully, millions of fans have had that message come through at least somewhat.

Something I didn’t know before now, either: “LeBron’s best-known link to cycling is the charity “Bikeathon” he founded in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, which he still puts on every spring,” Ben Fried of Streetsblog reports.

More from Fried on the hope that recognition of LeBron’s bicycling habits will bring about some practical change in Miami, as well: “Our friends at Transit Miami are hoping LeBron the bike commuter can quicken the pace of change in south Florida: ‘Maybe now we can get some Lebron-sized bicycle lanes.'”

And how about this clip from the game:

http://youtu.be/V71j7syfiRQ

Must have had a good warm-up! 😀

h/t League of American Bicyclists