I spotted a Smart Car in traffic here in Charlottesville earlier this week. The driver was surrounded on all sides by hulking SUVs and pick-ups in rush hour traffic on our main six-lane road. I thought: "Cute, nice lines, but whoa, it wouldn't take much to crumple that itty-bitty box! One semi-serious smack front, back, or sides, and the driver is toast.".......

Speaking of officials-on-wheels, did anyone catch the photo of Virginia Governor Kaine riding his bike, oh, a week or so ago, during the worst of the heat wave? Can't remember what the occasion was, but I was pleased to see a cycling photo on the front page of our local newspaper.