Many Americans have been leaving their cars at home and riding to work on bicycles. Andy Clark
is the leader of the League of American Bicyclists. His group supports bicycling for fun, fitness and
transportation.
Clark says this is good news for the environment. He says riding a bicycle to work does not burn
fossil fuel or creates dangerous pollution. Experts say the effects are the most important on short trips.
Shorter car trips give out more pollution into the air for each kilometer drive. This is because the car
engine will give out the harmful gas when it warms up before it can work well.
James, a member of Congress, is a strong supporter of bicycle use. He says cities, counties, state
governments and state highway transportation agencies are planning the roadways of the future. They
are creating roads and paths for bicycles in cities and between communities.
Last year, Portland, the Pacific Northwest city in the state of Oregon, had the highest percentage
of bicycle users in the United States. Portland has been doing progressive city planning for many years
to create special paths for bike riders.
1. What is happening in America according to the news?
A. Many Americans have lost jobs.
B. Many Americans prefer short trips.
C. There are more and more bicyclists now.
D. The pollution is getting worse and worse.
2. What is the closest meaning to the word “harmful” in the second paragraph?
A. Clean.
B. Bad.
C. Warm.
D. Dry.
3. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Many Americans like bike-riding for fun.
B. Short car trips can reduce pollution.
C. American government encourages people to ride bicycles.
D. Many Americans ride bicycles to support environment protection.
4. Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?
A. Clark’s group thinks bicycling is good for health.
B. James strongly supports bicycle use.
C. Portland is one of the states in the USA.
D. Portland is planning to create special paths for bike riders.
5. Where can we read it possibly?
A. From a website.
B. From a poster.
C. From a novel.
D. From an advertisement.
