A Patriotic Duty
This photo is an excellent representation of what is happening today. I am pleased it was posted by a traditional Cycling publication. I’ve said for some time that serious cyclists are adding e-bikes to their stables, for practical reasons (does anyone really prefer motorists to drive cars more?).
We need to promote all alternative transportation. It is our patriotic duty! At all levels of gov’t, the building, expanding and maintaining of our road ways is not sustainable. They are costing far, far more than we are collecting. Do you really want to triple fuel or registration taxes? How much more parking can we provide? How much more farm land can we lose to sprawl? How much are we willing to spend in order to manage the extra run off (permeable pavers haven’t shown much promise)…
Of course e-bikes aren’t the whole answer. It’s probably the most affordable start, but even I understand that most want protection from the weather. More trains, busses and LEV’s will take both time and promotion to be built and gain acceptance. In the mean time, we need more reasonable urban speed limits. We also need better traffic law enforcement at levels we haven’t seen since The 60’s.
Too many can no longer afford safe or reliable automobiles. They need safe streets on which to walk, take public transport or ride their bikes. Do you want them driving dangerous junk beside you and your family? If we can’t afford to maintain a vehicle, do you really believe we can afford insurance (you’re already paying. Finance companies require uninsured motorist coverage)?
Oddly enough, those who resist e-bikes most, benefit most from e-bikes. As we fill trails and MUP’s, funding increases for these parks. We aren’t a part of traffic. When more are on the street, traffic is calmed and congestion relieved for pedestrians as well as motorists.
At least when I bike on the road I endanger only myself. Think about it next time you are tempted to look down on an e-bike.