Thursday Thoughts: Dreaming

What would a cyclist’s ideal world look like?

Imagine big, open, well paved limited access highways.  You know the type, like the Interstate Highways.  But in this case, imagine that these highways were restricted to the exclusive use of cyclists and pedestrians.  No cars allowed.  Picture the “down-town connector” here in Atlanta, with no cars on it.  Picture it.  It’s 7:30 A.M.  You are looking at the infamous “Grady Curve.”  Instead of cars, imagine you are seeing a volume of 1,000 bicycles per hour here.  The road looks oddly empty, and it’s a lot quieter!

How about a world where motorists actually paid attention to their task?  Wouldn’t it be nice if they weren’t yapping on their phones, or texting, or reading the paper, but rather were actually looking where they were going?

While we’re talking about motorists, imagine a world where vehicle operators (both cycling and motoring) actually understood and followed the laws.  I, for one, would truly enjoy it, if I could approach a four way stop knowing that the other folks there would actually get it done, in accordance with the simple rules governing such an intersection.

Imagine a world where all the operators on the road simply granted each other courtesy and respect.

Imagine a place where the following could happen:

The errand:  You are at home, attending to your day, when you realize that you simply must go to store for some small necessary item.  No problem.  You walk out the door and hop on your bicycle.  The store is only two miles away.  You ride through your neighborhood, waving and calling greetings to your neighbors, who are out working on their gardens or walking about.  After a leisurely ten-minute ride, you arrive at the store.  On the way you have been calm and happy.  No one has assaulted you with a three ton SUV.  You have not been “buzzed,” or screamed at, or honked at.  Instead you had a peaceful, trouble-free ride, looking at the sights and enjoying the day.  There is no trouble parking at the store, plenty of space in the nearly car-free lot, and lots of bike-racks to assist your temporary storage of your bike.  One half hour after leaving, you have returned, somewhat refreshed, mission accomplished.

The Family trip:

It’s a Saturday afternoon.  The family has been planning this one for most of the week.  The latest super-wonderful blockbuster, all-time smash movie is playing at the Cineplex.  It’s a trip of four miles to get there.  It’s time to go.  You and your partner have rounded up Junior and little Sis.  Everyone has their helmets, and their tires are all pumped up.  The group saddles up and begins.  After a pleasant half hour, the family arrives at the theater, parks and locks their bikes.  Of course Junior had to race ahead, but it’s not a problem, bike traffic is light today.  The lanes are not crowded, and there is plenty of room for the young rascal to burn off some excess energy.

The Big Race:

It’s an important day.  Little Sis is going to be representing!  She is one of the starters on the School Velo Team.  You and your partner have it all planned.  You’ll be there to support her.  You leave the office early, and ride to the station.  You lock your “city bike” at the station, take the early train south, and arrive at the local station in plenty of time.  There you unlock your trusty “do-everything-bike” and mount up.  You have plenty of time.  The school velodrome is only about five miles away.  It’s still over an hour until the meet begins.  You can even stop and get a sandwich along the way.

At the track you meet your partner.  The two of you lock your bikes and make your way into the bleachers to cheer Little Sis on to glory as she races against her school’s arch-rivals.

NOTE:  In the scenario above, you used two bikes.  You had to replace both bikes this year, the old ones being pretty well worn out.  Both bikes, together cost you a total of $900 dollars.  Maintenance on them amounts to about $200 a year.  Add in a year’s train fares, for another $600.  Your year’s work travel expenses amount to $1700.  Gosh!  You used to spend that much  on just three car payments!

Does this appeal to you?  What do we do to make something like this world happen?