Re: Gas prices and an increase in cycling?

Matt O'Toole wrote:

>>> 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.

As I see it, the US appreciation of bicycles agrees with yours and may
go even farther:

 http://draco.acs.uci.edu/rbfaq/FAQ/6.1.html

Jobst Brandt