Representative Rubio's bike trip is merely political grand-standing, a publicity stunt. She says she"...
decided to do the cross-state ride after spending countless hours driving to and from legislative interim committees." At approximately 1/6 highway speed, she will spend 6-times as long traveling by bicycle than by car.
“Sometimes the politics gets so polarizing we can’t even have conversations with each other,” she said. Again, she could spend more time conversing and less time traveling if she traveled at highway speeds.
"...she also plans to use her ride to raise awareness about a proposal to create a new state office of outdoor recreation,,,(and),,,she said she will introduce legislation ...(that) along with creating the new office, would earmark some funding for outdoor activity programs that offer programs for disadvantaged and minority children."
Again, the extra cost of stretching out her travels (lodging, security, Support And Gear) is money that the state could use towards the programs she is promoting.
On the other hand...I do like to see elected who cycle and understand cycling, Although that's no guarantee they will do what's right for cycling.
Bottom line: She may be another egocentric, attention hungry politician who cloaks her selfishness with the sash of social activism...but I wish her well.