practicality

I've always biked. BMX as a kid, cruiser to get to the beach & deliver newspapers, upgrade to mountain biking, settled now into casual riding and part-time bike commuter.  I don't do it to make a statement, it's just enjoyable and also often practical.  I haven't abstained from the auto, but use the most practical form for what I'm doing.

Living in Japan, the bike's utility became greatly increased with bike friendly sidewalks (wider, with designated section for bikes) and commuters who actually look out for you.  But you know, if I've got to carry more to work or the weather just stinks, or I know I'm going to be really late getting home (& the weather stinks), I might drive.  Or maybe I'll run, or take the train or I'll bike again.

I was recently reminded of how different communities can be when I saw a reader's comment in my hometown in South Georgia complaining about riders not keeping to the right edge of the road (in a community that has no bike lanes and little practical use for bikes outside of the small city area).  The person probably sees maybe two riders per day but was so intolerant that the experience drove them to rant.  It was quite depressing since I'm determined to bring my good habits back to the U.S. when I return.

I enjoy biking, and I've found that keeping it a practical part of the stable but not necessarily "the only way" keeps me going back to it. I wish more folks would at least give it a chance to just be a part of their mix even if not their holy grail of transportation.

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