Ride a Bike!

Riding a bike in the old days.

I recently heard some interesting, and surprising statistics that held that in spite of the vulnerability of bikes in traffic, the fact is that most fatal collisions involve cars. Even  motorcycle crashes likely involve riders going at inappropriate speeds. The sound of some bike getting up to speed is really wonderful, but the sound of the same bike crashing is not so nice.

Pedal cycling is another experience again. There are organized cycle clubs who go for very long rides, and they seem to be very aware of the need to ride in single file. Given the vast numbers of such riders, the number of incidents where riders are injured or killed in collisions with cars is quite low.

Now, Valencia City is awash with cycles as a way to get around the town. The city is fairly flat and to be able to pick up a bike from here and drop it off at another point in the city makes a lot of sense. To ride is also something that you do for your own health, while at the same time you do something for the environment.

People like myself who are committed to drive can still see the point of taking a bike. They have been doing the same thing in Holland and China for many, many years with very good results. So, in spite of the fact that I am too old to go with this new trend, I celebrate the spirit of those who do.

If we can do anything to benefit the environment, we should. In my case I make every trip by car serve more than one purpose.

Copyright (c) 2012   Eugene Carmichael