On Mon, 12 May 2008 18:53:12 -0700, Bob wrote:
> On May 12, 8:05 pm, "ccar...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
" <ccar...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
>> Hello,
>>
>> There's no doubt that we'll see astronomical gasoline prices soon in
>> the future. Of course, one would think that this would lead to an
>> increase in cycling.
>>
>> However, I think human beings (especially Americans) are too lazy for
>> bicycles, and we'll probably see an increase in horses for
>> trans****tation [according to this it's already
>> happening:http://www.wyff4.com/news/15968363/detail.html].
>>
>> But, I have to admit that - yes, I'm surprised - I've actually seen an
>> increase in cyclists?
>> Have you guys too?
> 1- I don't think there's any evidence that Americans are any more lazy
> than the citizens of any other country.
If anything it's the opposite, with cultural pressure to always appear to
be productive, not "wasting time" on a bicycle. In the US, bicycles are
seen as toys for children and immature adults.
I think this is why there's so much emphasis on racing in bike
marketing in the US. Americans feel they have to justify their interest
in cycling by pretending it's a serious athletic pursuit.
2- Horses, besides not being too
> welcome on city streets unless they are pulling a couple snuggling in a
> carriage or being ridden by a police officer, require a heck of a lot
> more work than does riding a bike. Ever mucked out a stable or unloaded
> a truckload of alfalfa? ;-)
This is true.
We'll never go "back to horses" because we never came from horses to begin
with. This idea comes from our own car culture projected backwards. No
one ever saddled up to fetch a quart of milk! Most people walked. Draft
animals for pulling heavy loads were as likely to be mules or oxen as
horses. When bikes came around in the late 1800s they were immediately
popular among those who could afford them (about $4000, adjusted for
inflation) -- not just for their novelty, but their trans****tation value,
practicality, and economy.
3- I haven't noticed any increased bicycle usage.
I have, but it's a trend that started before the latest runup in fuel
prices.
BTW, in the UK they've been paying $8/gallon for years. If anything, it's
the congestion pricing in central London that has put more people on
bikes.
Matt O.
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