I agree with SoCal Mark. The trend of American alternative transportation isn’t a matter of self and environmental sustainability, but one of economical well being. Honestly, this disgusts me being an environmentalist and avid biker for that cause. Leave it to what’s prominently in your pocket book right?
Tells you something about America, the average American cares more about a few cents in his pocket, then his great grandchild’s life. Really goes to show that America, which will probably be the last country to implement one, needs a carbon tax. I think about $5/Gallon would do it……
On the other hand, I do not see this happening. Gas prices dropped about 30 cents in Kansas, temperatures rose to 100, but still the local bike shop has been selling a record number of bikes. I think that people might be starting to understand the need to drive less.
The funny thing with the gas powered bike boom isn’t how well bikes are selling as much as how many bikes are being repaired and put on the road. Quality Bicycle Parts (distributor) noted a veritable explosion in 27″ tiire sales — as have the gang at three of the local bike shops. Not just the cheap Vee Rubber and Kenda tires — Armadillos, Pasela TourGuards, Continentals. The 27″ tires are selling like they’re going out of style — a chiche that’s laughable because they haven’t been IN style for two and a half decades. On my commute rides I’ve seen a fair number of road bikes and “flat bar road bike” conversions with stem shifters. I just hope the new folks discover health, happiness, better living through fenders and a good sale on head and tail lights before fall and winter.
People wouldn’t give up on their bikes mere months after they buy them, unless: A) they aren’t enjoying the ride, possibly because local conditions really do disfavor cyclists, or B) they’re still afraid of being laughed and sneered at by their driving peers.
The economy of the bicycle trumps absolutely everything else for transportation, and even an indolent lump like me can enjoy riding one.
I think all this up and down is temporary. The landscape of the American Dream is definitely changing and the change will become permanent. America WILL become a safer place to ride a bike as the number of cars in use continues to fall. It may take decades but I believe it WILL happen.
Hey guys, the humor in the strip is terrific, but there’s no need to demonize the opposition. It’s not good for your soul and it doesn’t advance anyone’s understanding. Let the radio talk show hosts have the exclusive use of polarizing straw man arguments.
We are still seeing a huge upswing in alternative transportation use in our part of the country.
This is so perfect with the current situation. I always get the “but gas prices are coming down…are you going to use your car more often?”
I just laugh and say,”use the car more often and miss all the fun?”
I am not really sure what you are specifically referring to?
I agree that it would be great for cyclists to be able to communicate sensibly with drivers about what cycling can offer everyone.
However, no one needs to do anything to demonize “the opposition” (I assume you mean those motorists who hate cyclists or that think that cyclists shouldn’t be able to ride on the road) have you ever talked to these people? If you have, I am surprised you think that anything shown on this strip is anything other than the cold truth.
I am glad to hear about your local “upswing”.
Where I live (and in many places) there are still a lot of … well… demons, such as the NYC police officer who assaulted a Critical Mass rider.
Let’s face it, folks, the CM has gotten to be a monster that is hurting the image of cycling. Now, with some restraint, abiding by motorway laws, such as stopping at lights, etc, CM can regain its cycling rights advocacy roots. All ride in one lane (cramming it full of bikes, of course) stop at lights, be friendly, Sure, drivers would still get upset, but that’s just the nature of automobilers, as soon as they’re behind the wheel, the entire world is in their way.
@”We are still seeing a huge upswing in alternative transportation use in our part of the country.”
Yes indeed. Like the young couple in suburban columbus, OH who started biking to work 18 miles one way. They started it when gas prices were going up. Now they would not quit it for anything.
As the girl put it: She is eating pastries and donuts every day and still dropping a few pounds a week.
No comment on CM, but I’m very interested in finding people with experience with the occasional rides that have sprung up as more law-abiding alternatives, such as “Courteous Mass” or “Critical Manners”. Anyone participated in anything like that?
I still need to dig up the “helmet flame war” anyone know exactly which strip it was? I’ll have to remember to look while Im NOT at work and can take the time.
@SoCal Mark, I couldnt agree more on both accounts.
yah down to just under four dollars again
Ah Rick… He knows the average American all too well.
Way to illistrate the petty ways of the lazy tightwad.
I agree with SoCal Mark. The trend of American alternative transportation isn’t a matter of self and environmental sustainability, but one of economical well being. Honestly, this disgusts me being an environmentalist and avid biker for that cause. Leave it to what’s prominently in your pocket book right?
Tells you something about America, the average American cares more about a few cents in his pocket, then his great grandchild’s life. Really goes to show that America, which will probably be the last country to implement one, needs a carbon tax. I think about $5/Gallon would do it……
On the other hand, I do not see this happening. Gas prices dropped about 30 cents in Kansas, temperatures rose to 100, but still the local bike shop has been selling a record number of bikes. I think that people might be starting to understand the need to drive less.
The funny thing with the gas powered bike boom isn’t how well bikes are selling as much as how many bikes are being repaired and put on the road. Quality Bicycle Parts (distributor) noted a veritable explosion in 27″ tiire sales — as have the gang at three of the local bike shops. Not just the cheap Vee Rubber and Kenda tires — Armadillos, Pasela TourGuards, Continentals. The 27″ tires are selling like they’re going out of style — a chiche that’s laughable because they haven’t been IN style for two and a half decades. On my commute rides I’ve seen a fair number of road bikes and “flat bar road bike” conversions with stem shifters. I just hope the new folks discover health, happiness, better living through fenders and a good sale on head and tail lights before fall and winter.
People wouldn’t give up on their bikes mere months after they buy them, unless: A) they aren’t enjoying the ride, possibly because local conditions really do disfavor cyclists, or B) they’re still afraid of being laughed and sneered at by their driving peers.
The economy of the bicycle trumps absolutely everything else for transportation, and even an indolent lump like me can enjoy riding one.
I think all this up and down is temporary. The landscape of the American Dream is definitely changing and the change will become permanent. America WILL become a safer place to ride a bike as the number of cars in use continues to fall. It may take decades but I believe it WILL happen.
Hey guys, the humor in the strip is terrific, but there’s no need to demonize the opposition. It’s not good for your soul and it doesn’t advance anyone’s understanding. Let the radio talk show hosts have the exclusive use of polarizing straw man arguments.
We are still seeing a huge upswing in alternative transportation use in our part of the country.
This is so perfect with the current situation. I always get the “but gas prices are coming down…are you going to use your car more often?”
I just laugh and say,”use the car more often and miss all the fun?”
Re:Cascade James
I am not really sure what you are specifically referring to?
I agree that it would be great for cyclists to be able to communicate sensibly with drivers about what cycling can offer everyone.
However, no one needs to do anything to demonize “the opposition” (I assume you mean those motorists who hate cyclists or that think that cyclists shouldn’t be able to ride on the road) have you ever talked to these people? If you have, I am surprised you think that anything shown on this strip is anything other than the cold truth.
I am glad to hear about your local “upswing”.
Where I live (and in many places) there are still a lot of … well… demons, such as the NYC police officer who assaulted a Critical Mass rider.
Oh! And I understand that not everyone likes Critical Mass. That’s fine.
However, that’s not the point I am trying to make.
Woah, Blue dropped the CM bomb. Luckily he saved it or we woulda had a 4 page debate/flame war on our hands lol
Let’s face it, folks, the CM has gotten to be a monster that is hurting the image of cycling. Now, with some restraint, abiding by motorway laws, such as stopping at lights, etc, CM can regain its cycling rights advocacy roots. All ride in one lane (cramming it full of bikes, of course) stop at lights, be friendly, Sure, drivers would still get upset, but that’s just the nature of automobilers, as soon as they’re behind the wheel, the entire world is in their way.
@”We are still seeing a huge upswing in alternative transportation use in our part of the country.”
Yes indeed. Like the young couple in suburban columbus, OH who started biking to work 18 miles one way. They started it when gas prices were going up. Now they would not quit it for anything.
As the girl put it: She is eating pastries and donuts every day and still dropping a few pounds a week.
@Mirco,
We all know that everyone has different views on CM. Lets not turn this into the CM version of the helmet flame war please.
No comment on CM, but I’m very interested in finding people with experience with the occasional rides that have sprung up as more law-abiding alternatives, such as “Courteous Mass” or “Critical Manners”. Anyone participated in anything like that?
I didn’t know the Kickstand was in Indiana…
I still need to dig up the “helmet flame war” anyone know exactly which strip it was? I’ll have to remember to look while Im NOT at work and can take the time.
@SoCal Mark, I couldnt agree more on both accounts.
Heh heh… found the flames…