It's catching on

[RoadRaven]

Hey there Trek
I was about to post something similar... the more people see something as "part of landscape" the more normalised and acceptable it becomes...

I think with the oil scares, and petrol price hikes people are more more aware - but there is also a steady roll of changes in habit around recycling and prioritising of thinking about sustainable practices. Hand in hand with sedentary lifestyles (comparitively) and weight and fitness related health issues... I cautiously think cycling is making a come-back - not just for a fasion "cycle"...

I'm hopeful it won't be a fad or a passing fasion... changes at work make me think this - our institute have committed a large ammount of money to developing cycle parks and lockups and more showers on campus. Once they are there, people should keep using them...

Lets think positive... and yeah, like Trek says... lets encourage, support and praise those who have a go, welcome them into our bike communities and help them want to stay...

[Trek420]

Hey there Trek

Hey there Raven! Congrats on the TT BTW.

... the more people see something as "part of landscape" the more normalised and acceptable it becomes...

I think with the oil scares, and petrol price hikes people are more more aware - but there is also a steady roll of changes in habit around recycling and prioritising of thinking about sustainable practices....

Yeah, not to get on a soapbox but it is about sustainable living and normalising it. Say I ride to the market and buy produce flown in from Chile and New Zealand (not offense to Chilean or New Zealand'ers on board) where my neighbor drives his Humvee to the farm market and buys local produce.

He may have made the more sustainable choice.

Lets think positive... and yeah, like Trek says... lets encourage, support and praise those who have a go, welcome them into our bike communities and help them want to stay...

Cycling's a hoot, it's fun! Or can be with a little knowledge. When I ride "green miles" for an errand or commute I'm aware of the issues but I just can't wipe the silly grin off my face.

People start for whatever reason but if they meet fellow cyclists often stay for the community because while there's the occaisional jerk but over all we are the best folks with the best food around.

Last week on the train I saw something that made me think; an obviously beginner or urban cyclist looked new and befuddled, with a seasoned commuter (bright visible clothing, well fit commutermobile, well thought out storage for gear and stuff. This doesn't just happen, she really knew what to do).

Newbie had a flat and there was this commuter gal showing him how to fix it and probably "you need to go and get this, this and one of these".

It made me think of bringing a minimal kit with me even when not riding.

[Andrea]

I like the Michelob beer commercial with the guy riding a bike...


with no handlebar tape