The Future of Biking? (urban/commuter)

[Geonz]

I know our LBS is selling more bikes this year, and I know I am seeing more of them. I wish people could see the limitations of ethanol & biodiesel, etc... and the genuine value of cycling for a host of reasons.

It's really hard to find a bike designed for commuting - but there isn't enough of a commuting culture (it's a bit of a vicious circle). THey're as much a niche item as tandems or recumbents. I don't know that most people go into bike shops looking for commuters - it's a pretty huge lifestyle change. I think they go in imagining "biking around" and perhaps doing the odd errand. Fair-weather recreational riding vs. errand-running that verges on commuting... there are some real differences.

I do think he hasn't *really* checked out bike shops. THere are tons of entry-level bikes going out the doors. THe bike manufacturers know this. I dream of them being more proactive and steering things away from cars .. I can dream, can't I?

I do think the media and the business people are treating this gas increas ***much*** differently than the previous one. I don't read or hear about energy conserving alternatives - no, the PWB are jumping up and down and pushing "new" versions of the same stuff; the message is that we can't do without our massive energy intake, that that's a given and we have to work with it. Back in 1973, people were willing to consider making changes to conserve. (I think the *People* are still willing, but we are followers.)