I like this distinction. I've often suspected that so-called Conservatives in the US are actually not conservative at all, just wanna-be fascists. Well, maybe not just wanna-be....

I do need to agree, though, that the decision to go car-free or car-lite has little or nothing to do with politics. It's a personal matter. In my case, I choose to ride partly because of environmental concerns, but mostly because it's a lot more fun and convenient than driving a car.

Actually, now that I think about it for a few seconds, I'm pretty sure that, for most people, it's simply a matter of income. For those who need to watch their budgets, cycling can be an attractive alternative to owning a car, or at least to depending on one every day. Those who can afford to drive with impunity probably will drive, even if they love bicycling, because they can afford it, it's often easier, and because it confers greater social status. I mean, look at what's happening in China; they're getting richer, and they're not clinging to their bicycles with any degree of tenacity, are they?