Folding Bikes - My Folding Bikes Are Still The Only Logical Choice Around Here

I was rethinking about the choices I made with the various possessions I have at present for the past few months. Since the somewhat expected demise of my almost 18 year old sewing machine, I was evaluating again my choices of bicycle. To make a good decisions on keeping the bikes or moving on, I went out into the world and noted plus at times photographed images that brought home the needs of the proper bike choice. Or simply put, to keep the folders or not. So here is a short bulleted rundown of my experiences:


Since the light rail trains started to run and even expanded service in the general area. The mass transit population seem to gravitate to using the system. Unfortunately the population here in the Los Angeles area is not socialized to using the mass transit as it implies being "poor"& most here are completely addicted to their cars. With no visible security most times on the MTA trains (except to check for fare payment), there is a feel of the "Wild West" in social problems and simple ill will continue to crop up. More people with more junk toting with them on trains that were not designed for the possessions beyond a purse or briefcase (that includes even folding bikes). A feeling of ill ease-even danger-is had for all. Here in Los Angeles that means people will most likely go back to driving as soon as the Recession is over for them.

If public transit is not bad enough, the infrastructure is not being conditioned to the bicycle quite yet. There are millions of transportation tax dollars in all levels of government. That does not necessary mean the bicycle is seeing it's fair share of it. The touted "bike paths" are usually nothing more than painted areas on streets, or located in out-of-the-way locations where crime is likely, not routed to ease the trips, and still recreation orientated, not for any other use. And bike thefts shot up recorded or reported 29% (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?624320-A-Step-In-The-Right-Direction-In-Southern-California-More-Bike-Stations-Now-amp-Coming!&highlight=bike+thefts+Los+Angeles) the last few years that I have been using my present folding bikes.

Various "Bike Security" feeble attempts were done in the 1970s-and soon abandoned. I will leave the photos to show the possible outcome of "bike cages" that are springing up in some cities (see below):


So....this means that I still need bikes that can be adapted to a hostile environment. My dream bikes that I could enjoy in the past can no longer be used at this present. Hence...the present folding bikes stay and more will be added in the future. :thumb::thumb::thumb:

just so sad......

Amsterdam is 'socially adapted' to the bicycle - paths everywhere, more bike parking than car parking, cars almost completely banished to the suburbs and seen as evil polluting contraptions of doom, although Amsterdam still gets most of its food deliveries via internal combustion. The city has high levels of bicycle theft, partially addressed by the citizens riding 30 year old clunkers with little intrinsic value, and inbuilt-wheel locks. They're often passed down through families. There is a surge in folder interest over there, Bromptons and Dahons are seen as 'chic'. The bottom line is, it's society which is responsible for its own ills, and no amount of 'bicycle democracy', cycle paths, or cycle infrastructure will prevent low-life scum feeding off others.

Get a folder - take it with you - is the new mantra for the 21st Century. That doesn't work either: Commuters on packed trains to London have started complaining loudly about the numbers of folding bikes taking up valuable standing space. Fact is, too many people on too small a planet.

Eschew breeding!

Amsterdam is 'socially adapted' to the bicycle - paths everywhere, more bike parking than car parking, cars almost completely banished to the suburbs and seen as evil polluting contraptions of doom, although Amsterdam still gets most of its food deliveries via internal combustion. The city has high levels of bicycle theft, partially addressed by the citizens riding 30 year old clunkers with little intrinsic value, and inbuilt-wheel locks. They're often passed down through families. There is a surge in folder interest over there, Bromptons and Dahons are seen as 'chic'. The bottom line is, it's society which is responsible for its own ills, and no amount of 'bicycle democracy', cycle paths, or cycle infrastructure will prevent low-life scum feeding off others.

Get a folder - take it with you - is the new mantra for the 21st Century. That doesn't work either: Commuters on packed trains to London have started complaining loudly about the numbers of folding bikes taking up valuable standing space. Fact is, too many people on too small a planet.

Eschew breeding!

The experiences in Europe is like a preview of what is to come over here. I do agree that there is no one good answer to alternatives to car use and ownership anywhere. In my own needs present finances, and experience, the folding bike is the only route that is open to me-and many others- right now. And yes, too fast and too much population growth is the underlying problem of all.

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Since the light rail trains started to run and even expanded service in the general area. The mass transit population seem to gravitate to using the system. Unfortunately the population here in the Los Angeles area is not socialized to using the mass transit as it implies being "poor"& most here are completely addicted to their cars. With no visible security most times on the MTA trains (except to check for fare payment), there is a feel of the "Wild West" in social problems and simple ill will continue to crop up. More people with more junk toting with them on trains that were not designed for the possessions beyond a purse or briefcase (that includes even folding bikes). A feeling of ill ease-even danger-is had for all. Here in Los Angeles that means people will most likely go back to driving as soon as the Recession is over for them.


I don't know if people will return to driving like they used to. The price of gas continues to go up each week I fully expect to see it hit $4.00 dollars a gallon in two years. The thousands of jobs in manufacturing that were lost are not coming back! Once the economy returns, we'll see the price of gas go past 4 bucks and more!

The mass of humanity you see in lightrail is becoming the norm all over the nation! My lightrail is packed each day during rush hour and beyond! It's no different during the weekend either! This is a good sign and it's one that many cities are looking at especially those who are thinking of establishing lightrail as an instrument of urban development.

I have the benefit of living next to the last stop so I AWAYS bring my full size bike! It only takes up two seats but I don't worry about theft because my bike does not get locked to a bike rack. People who lock their bikes on those racks get them stolen or damaged. My bike is hidden so you will have to find it first. Trust me, it won't be easy!

Driving is a "privilege," not a right. If I opt to be car light, rather than completely car free in the future, I know I will have to pay far more than my fair share. As I age and my health gives way, I will have to drive at least occasionally. I will drive as they do in Europe, with limiting mileage, smallest car to drive safely on the freeways or expressways, and mostly light use of the accelerator!

Driving is a "privilege," not a right. If I opt to be car light, rather than completely car free in the future, I know I will have to pay far more than my fair share. As I age and my health gives way, I will have to drive at least occasionally. I will drive as they do in Europe, with limiting mileage, smallest car to drive safely on the freeways or expressways, and mostly light use of the accelerator!

Exactly! I hope to avoid driving for as long as possible. It's kinda hard to do in LA, but I'm doing it anyway!