Mental Evolution
13 July, 2008
Bicycling Presentation to the Utah Valley Sierra Forum
I am not the same person today that I was five years ago. I have gone through a continuous kind of mental evolution throughout that time. Actually, if I am really honest with myself, it has been happening continuously since I was born, but those early years while cute and adorable aren’t nearly as interesting as the mental evolution of an adult. To get someone to admit that they continue to evolve and change their thinking past the time they graduate from college seems to me to be rather remarkable. What does this have to do with bikes you ask? Everything. Five years ago I knew that something needed to be done, but I didn’t know what it was. So, I started attending meetings, reading voraciously as my wife will happily tell you, and, don’t say this to loud, but I GOT INVOLVED. I joined a committee. Then I joined a board of directors, then I joined other boards and commissions and committees and now I know things and I think things and professionals in the field of transportation ask for my opinion on things such as how to design a road to be more bicycle friendly. That is just plain weird, but at the same time it is really cool. I haven’t sat around and I haven’t become complacent. I haven’t been apathetic. I have changed. I continue to do so, particularly in regards to community and bicycling and how the two should interact. Things are beginning to take shape in my mind and you will, if you start to read this blog, and keep reading it, be able to share it with me. That is all for now. See how much you have to look forward to? I know. I’m a tease.
Bike Liberty
13 July, 2008
In Paris, a bicycle called Vélib’ (a contraction of velo – bicycle, and liberté – liberty) is becoming a hot item. Available for rent at various stations throughout the city, the bike project is actually a huge money-maker for its owner, and an advertising opportunity for everyone else. You can read about it here.
Velib' bikes, lined up and ready to rent (image courtesy of the New York Times)
Some downsides still exist, such as the high number of thefts of the bicycles as well as a few deaths. It is still a large, busy city, so cyclists must be that much more defensive and careful. Not to downplay the seriousness of these incidents, but the Vélib’ project is doing a lot to solve some of Paris’ transportation problems.
“Bicycles become fashionable, and the more bikes there are in a city, the safer it is, and the more the city will give space to bicyclists,” Mr. Pheulpin said.
What’s amazing to me is that the city has managed to make cycling on a 50-pound bike a fashionable thing to do. What do you think, could an entrepreneur here in Provo or Orem do the same thing?
