A recent article suggested that a silver lining to the dark cloud of economic woes is that the citizens of Greece are selling or parking their automobiles and climbing aboard their bicycles. Athens is considered the worst city in the EU for cycling and Greeks have traditionally sneered at cyclists as the poor. But the culture is shifting, in part from necessity, which could make a difference in the capital with its traffic congestion and smog. Athens has even instituted a bike-share program.
Perhaps an economic downturn would jolt us to drive less and cycle more. Bowmanville is a lousy place for cyclists not only because the roads aren't designed for us. Lots of car drivers act as though they have never seen a bicycle before and that can be dangerous. And of course Toronto mayor Rob Ford is fighting the "war on the car" by taking away bike lanes. Once again this summer we were struck by the number of cycle paths in Quebec communities of all sizes. When we were on the Magdalen Islands cyclists were everywhere and the system of bike lanes and trails is a tourist draw. We took our bikes with us and enjoyed cycling in Quebec, PEI (Confederation Trail) and the Magdalens.
We are always hearing about the damaging and discouraging effects of climate change. Wouldn't it be great if municipalities took the practical step of encouraging cycling as a legitimate form of transportation? I have encouraged our folk to ride to church but the bike rack is usually lonely looking, except for the bike of our custodian, Edna. Cycling is good exercise, and transportation.
The acronym WWJD? has been tweaked from What Would Jesus Do? to What Would Jesus Drive? Maybe we could reclaim the expletive and put him on a bicycle as a symbol of social responsibility.
Have you been on a bike lately? Do you think a cycling revolution would make a difference?
WWJD?
3 comments:
Have been meaning to get a new bike for years, but there always seems to be something around the house that needs that money more.
Took up my bike again this summer and was enjoying it. Have now fractured by tailbone so riding isn't an option. I have however seen my husband taking his bike out more when running errands. We're getting there!
I have noticed the sidewalks of Toronto sprouting with bike rental racks but that being said cyclists are my greatest worry when I am driving in the city. Even when there are bike lanes,its those rogue riders weaving in and out through stop and go traffic that give riders a bad name, and drivers an ulcer.
We loved being back on 2,
or 10, (5x2)wheels this summer, as our youngest daughter felt able to keep up, and even enjoyed long treks as a family. Admittedly we do that biking when we are out of town, and near the lakeside and trails. We will ride out on errands there, but find central Bowmanville better for walking than biking.
And Ian...my moutain bike is nearing its
20th birthday...and my husband's has a big honkin' errand basket on the front (think-Wizard of Oz).....go ahead and embarass your kids!
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