Near bike route reminds people
Sometimes when people live near a signed /marked bike route/path, they can be persuaded to at least think about cycling. Even do something about it. :)
Had 2 events happen today to illustrate:
1. At a Mediterranean bakery which is right by a bike path out in the suburbs, a customer complained to the store clerk that drivers of 3 different cars were selfish enough to spread themselves over 5 parking spots. There were 10 other empty parking spots, less than 4 ft. away! I am a regular customer here. The parking lot seldom gets completely full.
The clerk and I looked at each other, while customer ranted. The clerk offered to the gentleman: "But she has it the best: by bike. No parking problems, no gas, and no cost." I beamed to the guy: "No need for a fitness club". That broke down his rant.
2. 2 hrs. later I was parking my bike outside my home building and unloading my groceries. One of the condo board members wheeled out the door, a new bike. Now she is in her late 20's. Her mother followed behind her. " Happy riding. It's a beautiful day for cycling", I said.
She said, " Thanks. I haven't been on a bike for the last 20 yrs.".
She and some other people in my building do know that I bike often. We all live within a 3 min. ride to a very popular bike route. I can see it from home.
:) I would like to think that just having cycling infrastructure close by, does get some people to think about cycling, transportation /fun/fitness.
