Bikes outselling cars in Europe

BIKES OUTSELLING CARS IN EUROPE

NPR recently featured a story on their website about how bike sales are outpacing car sales in Europe. 

Source NPR

Source NPR

I hope these are real number! Thoughts?

Commuting tips from Arkel

This shared from the Arkel Website, these folks make some excellent panniers!

Commuting tips

Going to work by bike? Welcome to the growing group! Some are doing it by obligation, for health, because of money, political reasons, because it feels good or to save the earth. The following are but tidbits of ideas on commuting. My idea is to help fellow commuters to share our combined experiences. Just here at Arkel do 85% of our staff commute to work on a bike, with dedicated indoor parking!! If you don’t do it already, by all means try it—for whatever reason you want Louise, our Quality Control specialist . . . and author of these commuting tips

What to wear What to wear depends on where you live, of course. The Canadian climate is not the same as the California climate, but some basic rules can be carried over. Work clothes are pretty much off, except maybe for some very short commutes. Two things make that unpractical: sweat and wrinkling. Most of us will sweat somewhat, which is not really appealing when wearing a shirt, but even if you don’t the pedaling motion will wrinkle well-pressed pants in no-time, like behind the knees and at the crotch. Instead wear light, comfortable clothes or breathable cycling wear to maximize your experience. Maybe you have a place at work to hang or store your cycling clothes. Maybe you don’t. If you don’t then keep some room in your panniers for them. If you sweat a lot and have to store your riding clothes in your panniers, maybe it would be wise to carry a spare pair of shorts. Spandex are great because they're light and you can wash them in a sink, and they dry in no time. The classic spin on work clothes is to prepare a complete set of matchable outfits for the week ahead and drive the lot to the workplace once a week and bring back the old ones for washing. If you’re like many of us here at Arkel who don’t even own a car, it’s not realistic. Commuting can still be accomplished without great pains, as we all at Arkel are good examples of that. For instance, our California guy, Daniel, has his shirts cleaned and “boxed” so there is enough space inside the individual plastic bag they are folded in, to also fit a pair of folded pants, underwear, t-shirt, socks, tie and a belt. For him the T-42's fit everything perfect and give him enough room for a laptop (laptop pannier) , business files, books and his lunch! Everything is so tight that nothing moves during the ride for a wrinkle free look. He even uses the plastic bag to put his bike clothes in. Paul, our General Manager, commutes with our Briefcase. He uses one compartment solely for clothes. By compressing the webbing he effectively stabilizes everything for fresh garnments at work.  Safety first First and foremost. always wear a helmet. It's cheap brain insurance and it's only a question of time before you will use it, ask anyone! Wear bright colors. They are not only more visible during the night, they are more eye-catching during the day too. You can’t be too visible. When riding at night not only should you have all the equipment required by law, but also make sure to adhere to the “see and be seen” mentality. Use active lights front and rear. Make sure your panniers have reflective stripes, wear reflective leg bands and don’t shy away from a reflective vest. It looks dorky, but not more than a suit in a coffin. Your loved ones will thank you. Obey traffic laws. We can’t stress this one enough. One day it will save you life. And if it don’t save yours, it may save others by demonstrating the proper example and not antagonizing motorists. Stop at all red lights and stop signs, even when there's no traffic. It's a good habit to get into. Obey traffic laws: Keep off the sidewalks. Obey traffic laws: Stay off narrow, one way streets. Obey traffic laws: Act like a car which never has the right of way. Be predictable. Hand signals were invented for cars. When cars had no directional lights hand signals became mandatory. Use them to indicate your moves to motorists. They’ll love you for it, because neither of you will be guessing what the other is doing. Look through the back windows of parked cars to spot drivers about to exit without warning. If passing such a car with unclear intent, extend a hand forward as you come about the door in case the door opens on your side. Providing you are forceful enough you may stop the driver from opening the door in front of your kneecaps...at least long enough for you to pass. Don’t shout to motorists, unless absolutely necessary. Life is too short to waste your precious time and energy, and often will do nothing but distract you thus making an accident even more likely. Learn crash manoeuvers, think of possible last minute escape routes and how to ditch, and if all else fails, apply your first aid knowledge for whomever is involved. Practice over grass in your backyard or in the park. It’s a good skill to know anyways. Sometimes in life you must learn to let go.  Day-to-day necessities Commuting and seatbags don’t go well together unless you can park your bike inside your workspace. Leave nothing on your bike that can be removed or stolen. Try to use panniers and stuff everything inside. There’s no denying that a backpack or a courier bag is quicker to use than a set of panniers, but consider the following. Panniers are not hard on your back, heavy on your shoulders, hot when you sweat, make you lose your balance during quick manoeuvers or risk snapping a vertebra in case of a fall. Similarly, consider that a backpack will not protect your derailleur on a side impact, will not cushion your bike on a brick wall and does not look good inside of corporate buildings. Our vote: panniers, any day. Are your surprised? Be sure to have some money in case of an emergency. A calling card is a minimum and enough money for at least a snack and drink is preferable. Stack basic tools inside an old sock that you can then use as a glove for roadside repairs. Basics are a spare tube, a pump or 2 CO2 cartridges (if it fits with your philosophy), tire levers, and anything else you feel comfortable with. Anyways at that point you’ll be late for work! And it will be on the most important day, so always give yourself extra time and use the "spare" minutes to enjoy the flowers along the route. Carry I.D. where they can be found. Better to be safe than sorry! While you’re at it, put basic identification inside the seat tube of your bike. Something like "This bike belongs to Jane Smith, 34 Main Street, 555-5656" in case it gets stolen. You never know, you could get a phone call from a bike shop later!!!  Bike rigging! We’re talking commuting! Stay low-key and stay away from loud colors. If you lock your bike outside, think of masking most areas of the frame. Make the bike unappealing. Fenders are a must, unless you live in Tucson. Minimal weight, maximum payoff. Hey, bonus advantage: most people think it looks . . . errr . . . un-sexy (well we kind of like them ourselves, but that’s just us), thus less appeal for the would be thief. Tire liners, Thorn-proof tubes, Kevlar tires, Slime, whatever makes your tire less prone to flats is a blessing to your boss. Anything else is up to you. Racing bike, mountain bike, hybrid, fixed gear, one speed, city bike. Whatever suits you, as long as you enjoy it and it's road worthy. And the small details . . . If a shower is available to you, by all means indulge yourself. Don’t forget the towel, and a regular hygiene kit that you can stash in a drawer. Soap, shampoo, deodorant are the basics, plus a toothbrush and toothpaste. A hand dryer machine in the restroom also makes a good blow dryer. If a shower is not available to you, leave a package of "disposable wet napkins" at your work place. They’re practical and will degunk all but the most intimate parts of your body, leaving a fresh scent too! Intricate hairstyles will sometimes discourage riders from wearing a helmet or riding a bike altogether. Small tip: most mousses or hair gels will be reactivated with a little water, easying the task to rebuild a presentable, loveable look.

15 Car-Free Myths and Truths

15 Car-Free Myths and Truths
By Bill Poindexter aka “The Car-free American”

1. It is hard to live car-free!
False. It is not hard to live car-free. It may be inconvenient, but not hard. Think about it, people had been living car-free up to the early 1900s. No one died because they did not own a car, nor will you if you go car-free or car-lite. It takes time to get use to it, but it all comes together and becomes more natural than car use. Basically being carfree is getting back to nature-you get healthier, it is good for environment, and you meet your community-face to face rather than car to car. It is also nice to save money.

2. It is always fun
True: Most of the time it is FUN. Usually the weather is the fun or non fun factor. But there are other factors too; heavy traffic, if you are tired, or sick, or a strong headwind. Then again, those are all factors that make driving a car not fun too.

3. People look down at you
True: sometimes they do. That is ok; at the end of the day most secretly wish they could live carfree. Everyone will tell you that it is "cool."

4. You have to have special equipment
False: Good walking shoes and a bicycle. And you do not have to have an expensive bicycle, just one that works well for you. Overtime you’ll figure out your own personal style of transportation. Keep it simple. If it roles and feels good go with it. Take your time, do not spend alot of money.

5. You will lose a lot of weight
Maybe, if you burn off more than you take in. You will get fit-that is for sure. Diet is still important though, I recommend a "whole food" diet of non processed foods. Raw nuts, Olive oil, fresh vegetables, quality protein, berries, whole cheeses will give you all the energy you need...I recently lost 70+ lbs eating the above foods.

6. You will save money
True: No more gas! No more insurance! No more car payment! No more personal property tax! No more oil changes! I think the last time I figured I save about $8,000 per year (what I spent the last year I owned a car).

7. You cannot live carfree if you have a young family
False: You can, millions do, it is just more inconvenient until you become use to it. It is definitely easier in more urban settings and some suburban. If you live in the country it may not be practical, in which case a car is necessary, but it does not mean you have to use it all the time. Kids are carfree, and they make it work. Don't use your family as a excuse, instead use them as the primary motivation for living a healthier lifestyle!

8. You will get hit by a car or crash
Big false: Nonsense! Only if you don’t pay attention to your surroundings. The odds are still in your favor…not to get squished. I have spent 10 years riding in traffic a have never been hit by a car. I ride with the assumption the drivers do not see me. If you have a driver's license you know the laws, obey them and you should be ok walking or bicycling for transportation.

9. People will make fun of you if you do not own a car and /or bike places
False and true: Well, if they do, make fun of them back. They are jealous you are out enjoying yourself. I find that most people want to be carfree, I mean, when they go on vacation, they don't want to go someplace they have to drive all the time, no, they want to go some place to relax, walk or bike.

10. You will instantly be “Green.”
False: There is more to being green than just using alternative transportation. Carfree is a step in the right direction. A BIG STEP.

11. You will miss out on event because you won’t be able to get there.
True, sometimes that does happen, but you will be able to see and feel much more than you ever have in a car, so you’ll gain much more richness in your life. You will also learn to support events in your local community and you will add value as you arrive by your own steam. It makes your transportation an adventure!

12. I will have to own special clothes for bicycling?
False: You can wear anything you want. If you are riding longer than an hour, you may want to make sure you are wearing something comfortable. Bike shorts were made for a reason. Time on the bike will be your best teacher. I now rarely wear specialized gear or shoes. I keep it simple and comfortable.

13. I do not have time to be car-free
False: most Americans waste a crap load of time in their cars going to places they don’t need to go to or watching TV. I suspect you could find a bit of time to get healthier, save the environment, and make your community stronger. There is always time to do something good for you. It comes down to needs versus wants-“do I really need to drive to the Wal-Mart to buy more crap I don’t need.” Or “can we hop on the bikes and go to the local store to buy what we really need?” Then again...there are exceptions:)

14. Car-free means never owning or driving a car
False: It is a little confusing I admit. Typically Car-free means living with out a car and Car-lite means owning a car, but using it on a limited basis. Any journey you take without the use of a car, no matter the distance, is car-free.

15. Living car-free makes me happy!

Bill's bicycle with the bags, has over 30,000 commuting miles on
it.

TRUE: I love the lifestyle. Living car-free has helped me become healthier, I feel like I am polluting less, I save money, and I have developed very strong relationships in my community because of my lifestyle.


Bill Poindexter lives in Kansas City, Missouri and has lived the highly evolved life style of living carfree.

Slow poem

SLOW

While walking and bicycling I see things,
things
while moving slow
Slow is fun and good
but often misunderstood,

"I could never walk or bike for transportation"
my busy friend says,
"We have too much to do,
and too many places to go,
I need to move fast,
fast,
not slow!"

"Living your Carfree lifestyle
sounds well and good,
but it is not for me!
I'd rather drive a car
save time,
and be free."

"Now wait just a minute!" I say back to my friend,
"Bicycling and walking may be just the thing you need
just think about what you said,

"Too much of this
Too much of that
maybe a ride on a bike
or walk
would eliminate this and that."

"Too much of anything is not good
you know?
So again I say, go slow"

I continue my rant
my friend starts to listen.
I stand up tall,
To confirm my postion.

"You say you want to save time,
that I can see,
but time smelling flowers, seeing the world,
hearing birds, and feeling the earth
Is more important than driving,
Don't you agree?"

"Better to dump your car
and move slow
than sitting on your arse
in a metal cage
with no soul."

83 year old bike commuter-Stan

I met Stan this morning while having coffe at a Panera in Prairie Village, Kansas.

He is an 83 year old Bike commuter

 This is Stan, he lives in Kansas City Missouri.

He has been commuting by bicycle for the 30 years. As you can see by his attire Stan is living proof you can where regular street clothes while bicycling.

Stan's commute this day is 6 miles round trip, he usually rides more but just got out of the hospital, so he says his endurance is down. At 83, he is an inspiration.




I hope I am able to ride like him at 83!

Transportation Law of 4.

Carfree American has developed the, "Transportation Law of 4" or TL4.  TM

Simply put, TL4 encourages people to think about, and try, alternative transportation before they jump in their car for a trip to the Quik Shop for a soda.

For driving adults: TL4 works like this, you need or want to go somewhere.

You ask yourself this question first: "Can I walk, bicycle, or take mass transit?" Then you ask yourself, "or should I take the car."

Four options.

For children and non driving folks: When you are going someplace with a driver, again ask yourself, and then ask driver, "Can we walk, bicycle, or take mass transit? Or do we have to take a car?"

There are times when the car is a good choice and necessary.Walking, bicycling, and/or mass transit may be a better choice. It is always nice to have other options.

I am comforted knowing I have access to a car anytime. I can borrow a neighbors, take a taxi, or rent a car. I have borrowed a car six times since being carfree.

TL4 is something to think about. I would like to encourage you to try this for one month. Let me know if you are game and I will do a follow up story on you.

The alternatives ways to transport yourself are cool and fun.

And besides,

You can always drive your car.



Peace and happy roads,

Bill

Video from the Dutch-bicycling life!

Cycling For Everyone from Dutch Cycling Embassy on Vimeo.

How to not get hit by cars

Here at Carfree American we are aware most of our content is unoriginal, and we are cool with that, because our focus is to share our experiences, or others experiences,  to people who want to share in a healthier lifestyle.

Sometimes there is no point in writing articles that have already been written well regarding Bicycle Safety.

One such article, we recently found, highlights "How not to get hit by a car while bicycling for transportation."

Everyone should read this as at some point in your cycling life you will be invovled in all these scenario's.

Thanks to http://www.bicyclesafe.com/ and Michael Bluejay for this wealth of information!


How to Not Get Hit by Cars

important lessons in Bicycle Safety
by Michael Bluejay

Around 33,000 people die in car crashes in the U.S. each year.
About 1 in 41 is a bicyclist.
THANKS FOR READING, AND RIDE SAFELY! :)


PS from Carfree American:

You do not think it could happen to you???


Here is a post of what happened to my friend Vanessa

http://carfreeamerican.blogspot.com/2011/02/vanessas-story-no-helmet.html

Be safe,
Peace, Bill

Resources and Education
http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/education/

Presidential Speech I would like to hear

Health. Without good health you have nothing.

My fellow Americans,

Ask not what your car can do for you, but what you can do without your car.

Without good health we have nothing.

It is my contention we have become a society of self destructive behaviors, which could be our doom if we do not make some simple changes.

The primary focus of my Presidency will be to focus on the Health of the country.

First the physical and mental health of the people.
Second, the health of the environment.
Thirdly the health of the community.

The people:
The health of the population will be the largest determining factor of the health of the country. Without good health, people cannot take care of themselves, or their families. They cannot hold jobs effectively. They become dependent on health care, when in fact they should be able to take care of themselves. Mental and physical health illness, in most cases can be reversed by living a lifestyle of good nutrition, exercise, feeling of self worth from a job, and a community that recognizes them as an important part of the whole. Making some simple changes will, I promise you, achieve a healthier society. For instance, people asking themselves simple questions before they leave their home can change their thinking and health for the better, like; “Can I walk, bicycle, to my destination or do I have to take mass transit, or a combination?” or “Do I need this, or do I want this?”

Thomas Jefferson, who suffered from depression, said he felt the happiest when he walked for three hours a day around the grounds of Monticello.

Environment:
The health of the environment is of paramount importance. We are the stewards of our environment and MUST take full responsibility. Too long we Americans have lived with the attitude of having choices when it comes to the environment. I am here to sternly say, we do not have a choice. For our future generations we HAVE to make changes NOW! One of the primary things we must do is limit car use. The car should be used as a last resort when it comes to transportation and travel for us to have a healthy environment. Benefits will be cleaner air, less noise, visual beauty, and a feeling of doing what is right. No one can argue if you turn on a car in a garage and close the door the room will fill with poisonous gases and you will die. Think of the planet is a big garage, and it can only handle so much of the poisons. Yes my example if childishly simple, but it proves its point.


Community:

The health of the community is necessary. We are social beings. We need interaction, self worth, neighbor support, and friends . Stronger communities will: bring better education, more jobs, stable businesses, financially stable people, happier families, cleaner environments, less crime, and better physical and mental health. Communities must become smaller not larger, and more of them. The days of the American to hop in the car and drive 20 miles, unnecessarily, to take their family to dinner, when numerous local restaurants are within walking or bicycling distance are numbered.

Neighbor helping neighbor is how this great country was founded. Communities will make America stronger as a whole.

Let us get America healthy again and show the world we are a great country. Let me also say it is important to understand we all share the planet and must get along. I believe we can live together in peace as long as we all take steps to create…no….make a healthy society by taking care of our; personal, environment, and community health.

How?
Simple techniques like changing our thinking toward better health. Like before you leave your home you ask, can I walk or bicycle to my destination, then, or do I have to take mass transit, or maybe a combination of the three, and then do you ask: do I have to car pool or take the car. By living this way you will be promoting the above heath and making the world a better place.

Being aware of the universal law of Cause and Effect. Our actions have consequences. Good or bad.
Change is easy. You may be uncomfortable, but that is normal part of change.

Folks, one last thing. Time is not a luxury we have. People are unhealthy, the environment is sick, and communities are being disbanded by urban sprawl and overuse of cars. Waiting for the time bomb to explode is stupid, when we all have the ability, intelligence, and good sense to make the change needed.

So, let us, together, make America a healthy place to live.

Carfree American

First Choice Transportation or FCT

Teach your family and friends this:


First Choice Transportation- before you leave your home ask yourself,

"Can we walk, bike, or take mass transit to our destination?"


It is about shifting the thinking and looking at the car as a LAST CHOICE for your transportaition needs.  Can someone create a logo for this?

World Carfree Day is Thursday the 22nd

This Thursday is World Carfree Day.

What does that mean to you? At the very least, it may be a opportune time for you to think/act responsibly and bike or walk to the places you need to go that day...maybe the store, school, bike to school with your kids, walk, bike to the gym, bike to the bus stop and take the bus to work, walk to work, bike to a restaurant...well you get the message.

Give it a try, you may just get hooked. You know the benefits.

Here in the Kansas City area,  on Thursday night, I will be attending Dinner and Bikes.

Celebrate World Car Free Day on September 22nd with an evening of dinner and bikes, and BikeWalkKC. We are delighted to be sponsoring the Kansas City stop of the Dinner and Bikes Tour. Three cyclists are touring the western states to talk about bike culture and the bike economy, and to prepare a delicious vegan dinner for our guests.


Writer Elly Blue, filmmaker Joe Biel, and travelling chef Joshua Ploeg will entertain us with photos, short films, and a great meal. This is a great opportunity to learn about bike culture in other cities and meet new folks right here at home.
Dinner and Bikes Tour Stops in Kansas City
Thursday, September 22nd, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
EventPort in the Crossroads Arts District
208 West 19th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64108
Tickets $10 advance, $15 at the door (BikeWalkKC members get 50% discount)

More info? This is a note from Elly to me...

"Hi Bill,

Thanks a lot --
Here's our description of the event:http://
ramblingroadshow.com/archives/104

And here's a very charming write-up by our hosts in Vegas: http://lvzinelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/09/dinner-bikes-few-pictures-many-memories.html

And then here's my write-up about Vegas... maybe something KC folks can relate to? http://www.blogger.com/goog_1169026318
Looking forward to meeting you,
Elly"

Thanks Elly, we are looking forward to meeting you all too!



Sometimes carfree commuting involves using
multiple modes of transportation like: Bike to the bus,
take bus, then bike to work. This just adds to the
adventure.

 For me, everyday is World Carfree Day. I love this life style and talk about it every chance I get.

May people like the idea, but are not sure how to try living carfree or at the very least carlite (owning a car, but using it on a limited basis).

I am here to say it is not hard at all. You all know how to walk. And I think most of you know how to ride a bike (if not call me and I will teach you immediately!). And I am sure you all know how to ride a bus or train.



All kids live carfree and love it!

 Living carfree is alot of fun. It makes every trip you take more like an adventure, or being on vacation, seriously, it is awesome! It does take more time in many cases, but it is time well spent considering the benefits to; your health, the environment, and your community.

Kids live this way, so can you.


All you need is good pair of walking shoes. A bike, and you do not need to spend alot. Bikes are very personal, I would recommend a mountain bike...or a touring bike for your carfree lifestyle. Both are made tough and can be adjusted for your urban commutes.

I use a Trek 820 mountain bike I bought 4 years ago for $289.00, I think they are $329.00 now. I have modified it over the years, and it is my bike of choice for commuting, mountain biking, gravel riding, work outs, long distance touring, well...everything. It is an excellent bike, and very strong. I have at least 20,000 miles on it and have added stronger wheels, platform pedals, tires, tire liners, rear rack, fenders, seat, bar ends, and probably replaced most of the parts on it as over the years I have worn parts out by bicycling 365 days a year. If you have a bike use it. If you do not, get something simple, tough, inexpensive. Stay away from "comfort bikes." Go with a lower end mountain or road bike...it you go with a road bike, make sure it can handle wider tires and has the ability to hold a rack. I use Arkel racks and bags to carry my gear in.



This is my friend Thad Carson who is a mailman and
entrepreneur and full time bike commuter. Here he is running
errands with his son.



So go have some fun. If you have questions ask me hear and I will respond.

Peace, Bill

If you explore this site, you will find 20+ people who live this life style, lots of good articles and resources, and check out some of our sponsors. If find value in this site and would would like to donate we would appreciate the help!

Fathers letter to his 11 year old daughter

Dear Emily,                                                     Written by Emily’s dad.


Hey Sweet Pea. I am so proud of you!

That was a great letter, now…how old are you again? ;) I appreciate your passion on the subject, and don’t worry Emily, your not going to die because of the environment. You will be fine and the Earth will be too.

Your teacher is correct that there are issues we need to deal with.

I promise you, there are people working on the problem right now. Scientists, inventors, car companies, energy companies, governments, and people like you.

I am all for your idea. Bicycling to work sounds great, and I have been thinking about it a long time. I have been driving a car for transportation since I was 15 and it is hard to change that habit. I was thinking the other day how silly it was to even drive to the grocery store like we do on Saturdays to get a week worth of groceries. Your Mom and I, and you, could bike or walk there since it is only .9 miles from our home. We could carry the groceries on our bikes, or put them in back packs, and carry bags. Wow, it is that simple and it sounds like an adventure.

Regarding you bicycling to the movies with your friends we will have to ask your Mom. I will look into that more. One thing for sure Sweet Pea, you will have to wear your helmet. And I do not want you to think I do not trust you, it is other people that concern me, like people driving and texting or talking on their cell phones.

Walking to places with your friends I am fine with, we have already talked to you about that. I think that is a really good idea. I will do more of that myself and I bet Mom will too!

I will go to the library tomorrow and get bus schedules to see what our options are for that.

I am with you on this Emily, but give a little time for the change, it may not happen as fast as you like. I am not sure what your Mom will say. Your sporting events may be a issue, especially that it is turning into fall and the days are shorter. But I guess we can figure out a way to carpool you girls together. Also, in bad weather, we will use a car at night, for safety reasons, if it is day, we will take that on a day by day basis. Again, I have to think of your safety.

I am excited for you Emily. Why don’t draw up a schedule of places you have to go and how you want to get there and bring it to me and we will plan this together with Mom.

Love,

Dad

Childs letter to parents regarding alternate transportation

Written by Emily D. an 11 year old


Dear Mom and Dad,

I learned about the environment today at school. My teacher, Mr. Kellar, told us that the future of the Earth rest on actions of the people of the Earth. He says global warming is a real threat to our existence. He had some very impressive facts and names of scientists I have never heard of, and gave us a reading list to back up his points.

Mom, Dad, I am scared. I do not want to die, and I do not want to hurt the planet.

 One of the solutions Mr. Kellar told us about is finding alternate ways for people to transport themselves. If people stopped using fossil fuels on a “unlimited” basis, there may be a chance damage done could be reversed. I believe him.

I have heard you both talking about global warming, we have seen news reports, the Earth Day special we watched on TV, and we even have some books in the house that talk about it. I even remember about Dad saying he had a environmental science class in college that talked about it?

I am confused; since Global Warming is real why do have two cars?

And…why do we use them all the time. Why do other people do the same thing when they know that one of the major contributors of global warming is car use?

Can we change as a family? Can we use alternatives for transportation, like walking, bicycling, and buses? When we are in the car I see other people who do not use cars. I think it would be good for the environment and it would save you money. Dad, if you bicycled to work you would probably loose that “spare tire” you are always talking about and Mom if you walked to work you would not have to drive to the gym everyday to work out.
My friends are asking their parents the same questions. We understand change will not happen overnight, but we know we can make change now by; walking or riding our bikes to school, carpooling to sporting events, walking to the grocery store and restaurants, staying closer to home and enjoying the parks close to home rather than driving to places we do not need to go.

Mom and Dad I love you. I want to feel safe that the world will be around when I am your age and I want my children to be safe. I am only 11, but I understand the problem.

So tomorrow, I will be riding my bike to school, I can do that everyday. In winter when there is snow, I will walk, I can do that. When I need to buy something I will walk or ride my bike to the store. My friends and I will go to the movies on the weekends and we will walk or bike there, if it is dark when we are coming home we can carpool home if we walked. If we need to go farther, we can take a bus. And I want to bicycle and walk with you two. Will you please make changes and allow me to?

Love,
Emily
(At the parents request her identity will be kept confidential)
Please share.
The parents letter will be published next.

New quote from the founder

My Fellow carfree Americans:



"Ask not what your car can do for you, but what you can do without your car!" BP

Cycling for transportation is an epic expedition



Planning

 I am, in partnership with the National Park Service,  leading a carfree expedition this summer on the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route (W3R). I'm handling planning and logistics for the 700+ mile, 9 state expedition to map out a safe Bike Route for cyclists. I am finding, with the exception of the marketing and fundraising, this large expedition is similar to the short trips for transportation I do everyday.



Making sure the bicycle is ready to roll

While cycling for transportation I am always aware of the weather, my route, how long it will take, the possibilities of side trips, what gear I need to have-and what is optional, the terrain, my bike-wear on tires, potential for emergencies, how I feel, and the list goes on.

Every trip is a mini expedition, and can be just as impactful as going on a long bike tour.




Short trips can be epic trips

Back in 2001 when I learned about the Adventure Cycling Association I quickly realized how my cycling for transportation trips were similar to the adventure stories I read in their magazine, Adventure Cyclist,(they will send you a free copy). The "how to" advice for travel by bicycle was exactly what I needed to learn as it helped me to be a successful an confident cyclist.

Cycling for transportation is relative to each individual, what may be a short trip for one cyclists, may be a grand adventure for another. When I first started bicycling for transportation that first 14 mile ride to the gym was as epic, in my mind at the time, as any ride I have done since. :)



Sarah getting groceries for her family

 I have a friend, Sarah who bikes 3 miles to work and goes to the store on her bike. Married with kids, her bike trips involve the same careful planning as mine. When I talk to her, she will tell me stories of her exploits on that six mile commute that are every bit as interesting as more lavish cycling expeditions.

Epic fun!
Peace,
Bill

Follow me this summer, starting July 1st,  as I roll through wilderness, suburbia, and urban wilds as I map out a safe cycling route on the Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route (W3R) National Historic Trail.

Riding the bus can be an adventure



My first time using a bike rack on bus

How do you ride a bus?
On April 16th, in Kansas City, there is a "How to ride the bus" clinic.

April 16: Waldo, 75th & Wornall, on the far side of the CVS parking lot, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Almost sounds silly, but in these days of high gas prices many people want transportation options. Here in Kansas City the bus is the only mass transit option.

I remember the first time I put the bike in the bike rack on the bus, it was intimidating.

"According to the American Public Transportation Association, riding public transportation saves individuals, on average, $9,904 annually and $825 per month based on the March 4, 2011 average national gas price ($3.47 per gallon-reported by AAA) and the national unreserved monthly parking rate."


But be well assured, it is all easy and there is not reason for embarrassment. Everyone had to have a first time.

Giving yourself more options for transportation can be fun. Make a game of it, and instead of thinking of it as something daunting. This of it as an adventure-map it out and explore.
 
So walk, bike, or take mass transit.
 
Peace, Bill
A starter kit for bus riding in KS

Five car-free tales from the streets.

1. I interviewed for a job recently, they made me an offer,
with one condition,
they told me: "You have to own a car."
I said, "If I do not buy a car is that a deal killer?"
"Yes." They said. "You have to own a car."


2. I was rolling on the road, the day was cold, in the teens. A car slowly passed me, it was surreal, I looked over to the left, only to see two little blonde girls looking at me with faces pressed up against the glass of the mini-van window. I thought, how I must look like an animal in a zoo to them, as they looked at me in awe. But then thought, no, they are the ones in the cages, I am free.

3. The day was hot, 96f, high humidity, I was heading south on Lamar. I felt this heat before, it was nauseating, I tried to not get stuck at a stop light with cars next to me spewing exhaust. I cannot see it, but I know it is there. Exhaust, ozone, the wind blows lightly, it does no good, the temperature on the bike computer reads 110f, the asphalt is at least 120f. I feel sick and anxious, what if there is no air. "Shit!" I think, " I will die at this intersection, at the hands of the automobile." Then the light changes, and I can breath again. I roll away and life is good again.

4. I saw this man crossing the street with his bicycle.

He had all of his belongings on his bike, so many in fact, he could not ride the bike, it had become a shopping cart like bicycle.

I said "hi", he looked up and gave no indication he wanted anything to do with me.


5. On a Spring day, I was running some early morning errands on my bicycle. I was rolling in midtown KC.

It was one of those fresh Spring days low 70s, sunny, slight breeze, with the smell of flowers blooming. Perfect.

I pulled up to a truck full of Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation employees while waiting for the light to change. They were all black. I looked over at them and they looked at me, a white guy on a bike in a major intersection at 7a.m. We all smiled, I said, "How are you all?"

One gent, laughed, big grin, he was a heavyset man, and said, "Awww man we are doing great! How are you?"

We all talked gloriously about the weather, my bicycle, and work. The light changed and we said goodbye. As they pulled away, I remember thinking how stupid racism is, people are people, and it does not matter the color of their skin...period.


Got any carfree or carlite tales to share?
Peace, Bill

Car-free Cycling Expedition this summer!

Cycling the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route (W3R), a National Historic Trail.

600+ miles, 9 states, the same route that French General Rochambeau used, in 1781, to march his army from Newport, Rhode Island, across Conneticut, to meet with General Washington in New York.

Then both armies marched through NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, and on to the British held Yorktown, Virginia where, together, they defeated the British and Lord Cornwallis, in the battle of Yorktown.


This summer I will, in conjunction with the National Park Service, will be Cycling the National Historic Trail-the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route on its 230th anniversary.

Primary mission: to map out a Cycling route on this National Historic Trail from Newport, RI to Yorktown, VA.

Secondary missions:

1)To promote cycling as an excellent form of transportation and as a way to see our National Park System.

2)Show how cycling for travel and transportation can improve the health of: people, environment, and communites.

3) Lastly, but most importantly, the Historical Significance of this National Historic Trail, and to honor those French and American soldiers who sacrificed so much for us to live in this great country of ours.

We will be rolling in wilderness areas, suburbia, and cities. This is one of three expeditions planned.

Your support is needed.


 Making this bicycle route a reality takes alot of time and effort. We will be looking for the best and safest route for each state section of the trail. If you would like to be a part of this Expedition, right now the best way is to financially support it.

The official Expedtion site is http://www.cyclingw3r.blogspot.com/ and will give you a link to the Facebook page.

 You can email me directly for a address or questions. bill@poindexterrecruiting.com

Be a part of something Great!

Thank you,

Bill Poindexter, Expedition Leader
Cycing the W3R Expedition 2011

More details will be coming in the weeks to come.

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