Living Car Free - Fundamental Values

http://cmsimg.thedesertsun.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Avis=J1&Dato=20051129&Kategori=NEWS01&Lopenr=1129001&Ref=PH&Item=2&Maxw=600&Maxh=500

This seemed like a moving image. When you are down to nothing, Your bicycle is your most valued possession.

it's an invaluable machine. it serves most people very, very well. i don't think it has so much to do with having nothing and being forced into it, but when you have to choose what will mean more to you, say....a TV or a bike, a lot people in certain circumstances will realize just what great aid a bike can give to them.

if I ever found myself down to just the clothes on my back, I'd make my way to the nearest Labor Ready and sign up... the first thing I'd buy after food of course, is a bike... even before renting a room... absolutely a must have for me.

There are two kinds of people in the world. Those who would choose a bike over a tv , and those who wouldn't.

I have been homeless, it's not fun. Doesn't get much press either, where was this from?

I have been homeless, it's not fun. Doesn't get much press either, where was this from?

The Desert Sun. It was a photo of the homeless who couldn't find room in Martha's Village overflow area.

http://www.thedesertsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051130/NEWS01/511300322

Here's the story.

I've said before the bicycle is often considered the motor car of the poor before and this is often the case. You'll often see homeless in slums dragging all their possessions on a bicycle. Public transportation in this country is very expensive if you can't afford a monthly pass or purchase discounted rides.

The picture also shows why bikes aren't very popular in the USA--- the very idea of riding one is *getto* to most Americans. Bikes are for losers who don't have cars!

Most of us here not only ride bikes, but we are also questioning everything else about the current *whoever-dies-with-the-most-toys-wins* American lifestyle.

I like to think that when I'm riding my bike to work, I belong to the biggest club in the world! China, India, Mexico, Europe-- billions of workers riding, hoping to not get hit by a car, hoping not to have a flat tire, just going home. Bikes belong to the great unwashed.......

The SUV-induced death sure is poignant. That car sure didn't improve life for its driver.

Most of us here not only ride bikes, but we are also questioning everything else about the current *whoever-dies-with-the-most-toys-wins* American lifestyle.


Hey now, to each his own, but every dollar I save riding my bike is a dollar I get to "invest" in the latest technogadget. I like my toys, thank you! :D