On Tuesday I brought my kid to school along with her skis, poles, boots and book bag on the cargo bike. Riding in winter is little more than dressing as if you're going skiing and getting on a bike. We must have passed 30 cars waiting in line to drop off. The ride was invigorating and getting there on time was a bonus.
By reducing my vehicle footprint to two wheels this year, I have learned a great deal about how to get around Concord in all weather. You can read about it on Patch, on cyclemainstreet.blogspot.com and in the Concord Monitor (CM).
The My Turn article for the CM (Sunday 1/5/2014) presents the costs associated with our car-centered culture in America. These costs can bankrupt families into homelessness.
In the comments that followed the CM article, I found it striking that no one took issue with the main point that owing and operating a car can take considerable labor for the least paid in our community. As if to say "So, you've got to have a car - go to work" and if you're earning minimum wage you'll work from January to May to pay for it!
I do own a car but my life has been transformed by my cargo bicycle, like so many other people. As Liz Canning stated in discussing why she is making the film Less Car More Go "the car is a lame compromise". I couldn't agree more.
As a nation we fight wars for fuel. Many people work several months to buy gas, insurance, repairs and parking for a vehicle which sits 95% of the time. We build communities and infrastructure making it virtually impossible to live without owning a car. Should a car really be a requirement for humans to participate in society?
Some may ignore global climate change but as a scientist I have no doubt we need to reduce our individual and collective energy consumption and CO2 output. Climate disasters will continue to press the issue and we're becoming wimpy (Scientists: Americans are becoming weather wimps).
For those who take driving for granted, you may never fully comprehend how lame it is to drive when you can walk or ride a bike instead. At some point auto travel may become so cost prohibitive that we'll change our ways and build the infrastructure we need.
I understand the streets do not seem safe enough for would-be cyclists to try. Improved safe cycling infrastructure is not terribly expensive but requires city leadership to address the issue honestly, to build streets safe enough for all people regardless of age or ability.
It may take a shift in leadership from the top to accelerate the development. Some day the Concord, NH Mayor, City Manager, City Engineer, transportation advisers and perhaps even developers will truly understand the importance of safe infrastructure for all. One day we'll all embrace Complete Streets and Liveability and develop a 21st century transportation network for all people.
I'll continue to enjoy the efficiency my bicycles provide. I just ask for some consideration on the roads. Please stop Right Hooking cyclists by trying to beat them to the corner. And please STOP the HONKING!!! It really is a lame response.
