Not in the USA. People would rather use an elevator to up one level instead of walking. Cars are ingrained into the American psyche. People at my office, knowing I ride to work, will tell me stories about seeing a "crazy" guy riding their bike on so-and-so a route and slowing down their drive into work, and how it's so dangerous.
The day of fossil fuels will most inevitably come to an end. Our collective world carbon footprint has to get much smaller regardless as to what psyche we currently possess. Our own future generations demand that we put a stop to this insanity ASAP. The sooner, the better. The better for future generations and the better for the health of our present-day world population.
Right now, it may seem cool and trendy to drive everywhere. Our cars serve as economy stimulants and personal status symbols, as well. Convenience is reduced when we are forced to eliminate and curtail our use of petroleum products. We must begin to employ greater mass transit methods of transportation. We must allow the bicycle to play a much greater role in world transportation.
Just like we, as a society, decided to accept rural and suburban-living, we can adapt to a more urban lifestyle, as well. Especially, when the adaptation is crucial to the quality of life for future generations. It would appear that in this instance, intelligence, insight, and wisdom, should automatically trump convenience, cool, trendy, lazy, and ignorance.
- Slim
