Advocacy & Safety - The 1 Mile Solution Initiative

Carbon Trace (a blogger from my Local Cyclist network) has put up an idea on change.org (obama's internet transition thing). The basic premise behind the 1 Mile Solution is that 28% of trips in the US are less than 1 mile. These short trips could realistically could be made by foot or bicycle and would have a huge environmental and health impact.

1MS is a great initiative that I think we could all get behind. I would encourage you to read over CT's idea http://isocrates.us/bike/2008/12/the-1-mile-soultion-vote/.

Voting for this initiative takes a few seconds at this link http://www.change.org/ideas/view/the_1-mile_solution .

28% of trips are less than one mile.

The average trip is six miles, IIRC.

Its true that most trips in this country are short enough to be made by bike. And lots of cyclist do make longer commutes by bike. The reason that I like 1MS as a concept though is that can hit a much broader demographic than just cyclists. Part of the appeal of the idea is that it does not require a decent bike/gear getting sweaty and having a place to change. Instead its targeting trips that any one could be made as conveniently by foot or by bike.

Carbon Trace (a blogger from my Local Cyclist network) has put up an idea on change.org (obama's internet transition thing). The basic premise behind the 1 Mile Solution is that 28% of trips in the US are less than 1 mile. These short trips could realistically could be made by foot or bicycle and would have a huge environmental and health impact.

1MS is a great initiative that I think we could all get behind. I would encourage you to read over CT's idea http://isocrates.us/bike/2008/12/the-1-mile-soultion-vote/.

Voting for this initiative takes a few seconds at this link http://www.change.org/ideas/view/the_1-mile_solution .

That's good for the enviornment and your health, but it's bad for the economy.

Why would you NOT walk such a short distance? Cars are so much hassle...

That's good for the enviornment and your health, but it's bad for the economy.

Only if the economy is based on non sustainable things... in which case, the economy had better change...

That's good for the enviornment and your health, but it's bad for the economy.

There are a great many things more important than the economy.

That's good for the enviornment and your health, but it's bad for the economy.

I don't believe that driving less is bad for the economy. The number of cars will remain the same since we're only talking about eliminating 1 mile drives but less money spent on gas means more money available to spend on other things. Fewer miles driven means less money spent on road maintenance. Fewer cars on the road means we spend less time in traffic and more time for other activities which usually translates to making more money or spending more money.

i hate cars especialy mine and whats even worse is that its winter and i dont have any winter riding gear and work is less that 3 miles away and even in the summer when i did ride to work my mom would always ***** about how i was gona get hit and i was like god so what then start a fund in my name! anyways thats good for u that you are riding short trips i loved riding to work cuz i would feel amazing when i got there instead of like ****.

I got relatives who won't walk 100 meters with their kids to the bus stop.

I got relatives who won't walk 100 meters with their kids to the bus stop.

I have seen people crank an infernal combustion engine for distances shorter than that!:notamused: Also see them park an idling car at the end of the driveway to keep the kiddies warm:rolleyes:

Aaron:)

That's good for the enviornment and your health, but it's bad for the economy.

Is that "bad for the economy" because the money saved gets burned in a furnace, or is it actually good for the economy because the money stays in the USA instead of going largely to the middle east oil exporters?

The money not sent to the middle east can be spent on other 'consumer' items, for example, coffee, that kind of thing helps local economies in my opinion.

What am I missing?

How do you actually vote when you get to Change.org? I click on the blue box that says "25"
Vote
and nothing happens.

Why would you NOT walk such a short distance? Cars are so much hassle...

30 minute lunch.

when you get to change.org, first you need to sign in top right takes a couple seconds, then click the blue vote box it should turn red and say voted.

30 minute lunch.

???

28% of trips are less than one mile.

The average trip is six miles, IIRC.


It would be nice to see a probability distribution of trips (stat guy here, obvioiusly).

That being said, there is not an exact correspondence between the length of a trip and its ability to be replaced by a bike or shanks mare. It is about 1 mile to my Grocery store, walmart, and smaller allied stores. It is not convenient, practical, or particularly safe for me to shop for groceries, household items, and perhaps other valuables by bike, especially in these winter months.

We can economize and reduce car use by REDUCING THE NUMBER OF TRIPS I make to the stores by car---once a week, or so---instead of hopping in the car for every darn thing folks decide they need at the last moment.


roughstuff

Why would you NOT walk such a short distance? Cars are so much hassle...



Well, my car is not a hassle. Between buying it used at a good price, proper and routine maintenance, and making sure I minimize by trips by combining tasks (shopping etc), its cost is well worth it.

roughstuff

It would be nice to see a probability distribution of trips (stat guy here, obvioiusly).

That being said, there is not an exact correspondence between the length of a trip and its ability to be replaced by a bike or shanks mare. It is about 1 mile to my Grocery store, walmart, and smaller allied stores. It is not convenient, practical, or particularly safe for me to shop for groceries, household items, and perhaps other valuables by bike, especially in these winter months.

We can economize and reduce car use by REDUCING THE NUMBER OF TRIPS I make to the stores by car---once a week, or so---instead of hopping in the car for every darn thing folks decide they need at the last moment.


roughstuff

On the other hand my local grocery is about 1.5 miles away and my wife and I have been walking the dog over 3 miles in the morning... recently we started walking toward the grocery store and picking up any little thing that may be on the larger grocery list... the other day it was a 1/2 gallon of milk and a 1/2 gallon of orange juice and some broccoli... no big deal to carry for mile and a half, and a bit of an upper body workout too. So the wife, dog and I all gained the benefit of exercise from the walk; the economy was exercised by the shopping; and the atmosphere was saved by not using the car to do that trip.

But the real question is, is this sort of thing in everyone's reality that might be within a mile or so distance of the store? I really don't think so... most folks would simply drive to the store... no matter how nice the day and how small the item they were retrieving. That is the attitude that needs to change.

???

I have a 30 minute lunch break, though I try to walk it, I am conviently in the heart of Encinitas and there is a lot of decent food within a half a mile.

Walking a mile is definitely pushing it, I got lost (unfamiliar with the area) and did about a mile out before turning around, there goes my lunch break, and now I'm even more hungry. :innocent:

Just saying a mile is a little fantasy based.

Cars must be unlocked, got into, started, driven there, including waiting in traffic, at lights etc, driven up and down looking for smewhere to park, parked, got out of, locked, then you must walk from where you parked it, and back again, and then go through the same procedure on the way home. Then you must make an extra trip to buy fuel now and then.

Alternatively, you could walk...

I don't buy the idea that you have to take the car because it's winter, or you need to carry stuff back home. Get a coat and gloves and a pair of panniers.

Cars must be unlocked, got into, started, driven there, including waiting in traffic, at lights etc, driven up and down looking for smewhere to park, parked, got out of, locked, then you must walk from where you parked it, and back again, and then go through the same procedure on the way home. Then you must make an extra trip to buy fuel now and then.

Alternatively, you could walk...

I don't buy the idea that you have to take the car because it's winter, or you need to carry stuff back home. Get a coat and gloves and a pair of panniers.

Except I've done the mile on foot, and unless you're a complete fool, getting in and starting the car is less than a 30 second ordeal, and unless you're a complete lazy ass, you can find parking anywhere rather quickly, it's people who MUST find a close space to be a major issue.

Do you wear Velcro because tying your shoes is too much hassle?


I can buy that it's healthier, I can buy that people should do it just because it isn't a huge deal, but:
1) Under certain time constraints it isn't practical, especially being as lots of people don't get paid lunch breaks, so you're asking them to throw away more money to work harder to get somewhere. Fight for paid 60 minute lunch breaks, I'll fully support this.
2) You're making it to be something that is a monumental task, that even some of the most brain damaged people I know seem to be able to figure it out. Mainly I know you're just skewing this heavily because your biased, but it looks ridiculous, stop it.

I can buy that it's healthier, I can buy that people should do it just because it isn't a huge deal, but:
1) Under certain time constraints it isn't practical, especially being as lots of people don't get paid lunch breaks, so you're asking them to throw away more money to work harder to get somewhere. Fight for paid 60 minute lunch breaks, I'll fully support this.



Of course time constraints exist... but the fact is that they don't exist for every minute of the day and yet people still habitually use the car even when they do have the time to walk or ride the bike... that is the key to the issue... think "do I really have to drive" the next time you need to run an errand.

Even when their is plenty of time, folks too often drive just so they can get back to the couch... another "healthy" pastime.

Of course time constraints exist... but the fact is that they don't exist for every minute of the day and yet people still habitually use the car even when they do have the time to walk or ride the bike... that is the key to the issue... think "do I really have to drive" the next time you need to run an errand.

Even when their is plenty of time, folks too often drive just so they can get back to the couch... another "healthy" pastime.

True, I'm just thinking that every time I drive under a mile to get something done I have a major time constraint, I wonder if this is included in the 38% of daily driving.

Bring lunch to work. Usually cheaper and you get all 30 minutes to relax.

Thanks for the info on how to vote.

True, I'm just thinking that every time I drive under a mile to get something done I have a major time constraint, I wonder if this is included in the 38% of daily driving.

Do you really have a time constraint every time or is it just a perception based on our rush rush society and the convenience of jumping into the car?

It would be nice to see a probability distribution of trips (stat guy here, obvioiusly).

That being said, there is not an exact correspondence between the length of a trip and its ability to be replaced by a bike or shanks mare. It is about 1 mile to my Grocery store, walmart, and smaller allied stores. It is not convenient, practical, or particularly safe for me to shop for groceries, household items, and perhaps other valuables by bike, especially in these winter months.

roughstuff

Or you could learn how to operate a bicycle in winter weather, as so many of us do. I know it seems difficult to those who haven't tried, but it's actually quite simple once you've had a little experience.

Except I've done the mile on foot, and unless you're a complete fool, getting in and starting the car is less than a 30 second ordeal, and unless you're a complete lazy ass, you can find parking anywhere rather quickly, it's people who MUST find a close space to be a major issue.

Do you wear Velcro because tying your shoes is too much hassle?


I can buy that it's healthier, I can buy that people should do it just because it isn't a huge deal, but:
1) Under certain time constraints it isn't practical, especially being as lots of people don't get paid lunch breaks, so you're asking them to throw away more money to work harder to get somewhere. Fight for paid 60 minute lunch breaks, I'll fully support this.
2) You're making it to be something that is a monumental task, that even some of the most brain damaged people I know seem to be able to figure it out. Mainly I know you're just skewing this heavily because your biased, but it looks ridiculous, stop it.

From the point of view of those of us who use our bikes as transportation, you are the one who is biased. Bikes are eminently practical. A one mile trip takes less than 5 minutes. That really isn't any slower than a car. Factor in that you can usually park closer with a bike, and it may actually be faster.

BTW, your sarcasm and hostility do not makle your argument more persuasive.

Just for the record it's a matter of choice whether or not one ride a 2 or three wheeler.
I can see making use of the bike as an alternative transportation solution. But not one that is
forced upon everyone. I would not want to see grandma or grandpa with hip surgery be forced
to ride until they chose to do so. But on the other hand, Where are the bike racks at the exercize
gyms?

If we change our trips by car to bicycle instead, How much healthier would we be. But then again
I 'm probably preaching to the choir!
Bob

I commute 10 miles to work, but I drive about a mile to the grocery store. I do shopping for my family a week or two at a time, it just isn't possible to carry 10 bags of groceries on a bike, with a newborn. I'm all about biking and walking when it's possible, but you all would do well to recognize that there are times that a car is safer and more reasonable.

Except I've done the mile on foot, and unless you're a complete fool, getting in and starting the car is less than a 30 second ordeal, and unless you're a complete lazy ass, you can find parking anywhere rather quickly, it's people who MUST find a close space to be a major issue.

Do you wear Velcro because tying your shoes is too much hassle?


I can buy that it's healthier, I can buy that people should do it just because it isn't a huge deal, but:
1) Under certain time constraints it isn't practical, especially being as lots of people don't get paid lunch breaks, so you're asking them to throw away more money to work harder to get somewhere. Fight for paid 60 minute lunch breaks, I'll fully support this.
2) You're making it to be something that is a monumental task, that even some of the most brain damaged people I know seem to be able to figure it out. Mainly I know you're just skewing this heavily because your biased, but it looks ridiculous, stop it.

Depends upon where you live. Around these parts, one must often circle for 15 minutes to find a space a half mile from the destination. Sometimes, it's at a parking meter; sometimes it's $20 for an hour or two. The sole reason I started cycling was that driving here was so slow and inconvenient.

Paul

Or you could learn how to operate a bicycle in winter weather, as so many of us do. I know it seems difficult to those who haven't tried, but it's actually quite simple once you've had a little experience.


Yes that is true. I switch from cycling to indoor training (usually on an elliptical) as soon as the weather gets cold. I do look at the cold weather cycling thread for pointers and many folks there seem to do quite well in the winter.


roughstuff

30 minute lunch.

That's why bikes exist. Driving a mile to the nearset decent restaurant near my office is way longer than riding my bike there. Parking is really scarce.

Paul

That's why bikes exist. Driving a mile to the nearset decent restaurant near my office is way longer than riding my bike there. Parking is really scarce.

Paul

It really depends where you live -- as you noted. It also depends what your job is. It isn't exactly practical to take off your business suit, put on cycling clothes, ride somewhere and get food, come back and change into your suit, etc...

Do you really have a time constraint every time or is it just a perception based on our rush rush society and the convenience of jumping into the car?

The 1 Mile Solution is not about going car free, it's about learning to cut back. Heck, I'd be willing to walk the 1.5 miles to the regular grocery store. The worst part would be dragging a collapseable shopping cart that distance with those ridiculously inadequate wheels. I'm going to get one and convert it to 12" or 16" bicycle wheels. I'll just have to extend the front legs with PVC. That baby will roll like a champ over rough sidewalks.
My wife goes to the military commissary about 25 miles away every other week. She loads up the car for that trip, and saves waaaaaaaay more than the cost to drive there.

One of the most voted for ideas on Change.org is to establish a new Cabinet post, Secretary of Peace. Isn't that what the Secretary of State is for? Take the money for that suggestion and buy some Bike Lids to put out for secure parking for people using bikes to get around. I e-mailed them today to see if they have brochures that I can give to local advocacy groups. Not sure if they will tell me how much they cost, though.

http://www.bikelid.com/index.htm

One of the most voted for ideas on Change.org is to establish a new Cabinet post, Secretary of Peace. Isn't that what the Secretary of State is for? From my experience, the Secretary of State job is to determine how much and to which countries we waste our tax money; giving it away to other countries. That and annoying the people that work in the Pentagon.

It really depends where you live -- as you noted. It also depends what your job is. It isn't exactly practical to take off your business suit, put on cycling clothes, ride somewhere and get food, come back and change into your suit, etc...

What cycling clothes? I just hop on my bike in my suit. I don't have car clothes, either.

Paul

It depends on how committed you are. Hubby and I do our grocery shopping on our bikes. If we are going to the supermarket, we put the panniers/trunk on. If it's Costco, we drag along a little converted trailer. It's definately not for everyone though.

All these opinions about the tradeoffs of cycling/walking are meaningless as far as affecting actual change to our non-cycling citizens. You're talking about a cultural shift, and that isn't going to happen because some cycling fanatics think it should. Our culture will change if and only if some pressure, positive or negative, drives a change. Like when driving becomes unaffordable.

But I suppose it's easier to argue amongst ourself about drivel.

i hate cars especialy mine and whats even worse is that its winter and i dont have any winter riding gear and work is less that 3 miles away and even in the summer when i did ride to work my mom would always ***** about how i was gona get hit and i was like god so what then start a fund in my name! anyways thats good for u that you are riding short trips i loved riding to work cuz i would feel amazing when i got there instead of like ****.

Rofl!!! I know exactly how you feel! All I can say....Live free man.....Just cuz drivers driving like idiots doesn't stop me from riding a bike even tho moms are constantly in our ear about it. Rofl so funny you stating start a fund on your name...Rofl...classic.

It really depends where you live -- as you noted. It also depends what your job is. It isn't exactly practical to take off your business suit, put on cycling clothes, ride somewhere and get food, come back and change into your suit, etc...

And not everyone wears suits, nor do they have to ride in cycling clothes... but again, just the concept of a short bike ride in daily work clothes is a foreign idea to most Americans.

This would be easier to implement if we went back to the days of my childhood when all the things people needed could pretty much be found within a mile...within their own neighborhoods...before malls and zoning laws contributed to sprawl.

and not everyone wears suits, nor do they have to ride in cycling clothes... But again, just the concept of a short bike ride in daily work clothes is a foreign idea to most americans.

+1. College students do it all the time. But it's terribly unposh to do so once you're in the Real World™.

This would be easier to implement if we went back to the days of my childhood when all the things people needed could pretty much be found within a mile...within their own neighborhoods...before malls and zoning laws contributed to sprawl.

Yeah I'm still trying to figure out what we gained by that sort of zoning... and the resultant malls...

As things continue to "evolve" it looks like we may eventually be "served" by one store... a giant WalMart. :mad:

That's good for the enviornment and your health, but it's bad for the economy.

How is it bad for the economy?

If you spend less on gas to go somewhere, you'll spend that same money elsewhere.
the only place the money not spent on fuel will hurt is the gas company, it won't hurt the gas stations or the local economy. When on the bike, I normally stop at more gas stations than I would driving the same distance to pick up snacks and drinks that I wouldn't need or want driving.

Even with the weather we have now, (12+ inches of snow, 13mph wind) I'll walk for anything less than a half mile, simply because I enjoy walking or riding more than driving (unless roads are real slick, and I'm the only one on the road, then it's funner than crap!) Typically, unless I have to pick something up that can't be comfortably or safely carried on the bike (or trailer) I'll ride the bike

You have a choice with cash, spend it on gas, or spend it on something else you want or need, either way the economy benefits (I won't even go into credit cards)

Ken.

+1. College students do it all the time. But it's terribly unposh to do so once you're in the Real World™.

Sure, I did it in college too. Now, however, I live and work in Seattle, and riding around in rain and mud to get lunch while wearing business attire is just not an option. I'd show up to a meeting soaking wet and covered in filth! It isn't that it's "unposh", it's that I would be less successful if I chose to take your suggestion.

It's really a societal issue -- you can't blame people for being practical and successful within the boundaries they're given, so if you want behavior to change, you need to focus on raising awareness, building infrastructure, etc, instead of just suggesting that "I do it and so could you."

Yeah I'm still trying to figure out what we gained by that sort of zoning... and the resultant malls...

As things continue to "evolve" it looks like we may eventually be "served" by one store... a giant WalMart. :mad:

Yes...someday soon we will have one big superwalmart at the center of the galaxy! Us hicks out in the galactic arms will just have to fold space! :)



Well of course we have zoning which requires MINIMUM lotsizes; prevents multifamily and apartment housing; keeps commercial uses out of residential areas; provide unlimited deductibility for mortgage interest but nothing for investments which increase efficiency....

and we wonder why downtowns and local stores can't keep up.

roughstuff

How do you actually vote when you get to Change.org?...
Vote
and nothing happens.

And this surprises you?

It really depends where you live -- as you noted. It also depends what your job is. It isn't exactly practical to take off your business suit, put on cycling clothes, ride somewhere and get food, come back and change into your suit, etc...

You don't need a special outfit to ride one mile. Many commute further than that--in a business suit. I think it looks cool when their neckties stream behind them while they're pedaling.

It really surprises me tha so many Americans think of cycling as a special activity or recreational activity. It can very easily be integrated into your everyday life.

All these opinions about the tradeoffs of cycling/walking are meaningless as far as affecting actual change to our non-cycling citizens. You're talking about a cultural shift, and that isn't going to happen because some cycling fanatics think it should. Our culture will change if and only if some pressure, positive or negative, drives a change. Like when driving becomes unaffordable.

But I suppose it's easier to argue amongst ourself about drivel.

I disagree. A cultural shift is necessary only if you're talking about Bikeforums style hobby riding with expensive bicycles and special outfits.

I think the one-mile solution and similar "livable cities" programs are intended to show people that bikes (or walking) are practical solutions for many transportation problems. It requires very little money--and absolutely no physical discomfort--to bike or walk on short trips. I see that a great many more people are doing this, compared to just 5 or 6 years ago.

Forget about global warming, foreign oil and hard-core physical conditioning. People are riding more because it's convenient, relaxing, economical and fun--and because it decreases congestion in their neighborhoods.