My approach to making change - and after all isn't that what this discussion is all about? - is to get out there and do it. I am referring to biking as a way to improve one's self not only physically (the most brought up and obvious) but mentally as well.

I bike because I like to bike. I am, for the most part, a solo biker. I don't care too much for organized or group events for the simple fact that too much time is wasted arriving at consensus as to what to do, where to go, etc., etc. Besides, getting out there solo allows time for reflection, not to mention stopping to "smell the roses" along the way: i.e. the path rather than the destination.

I live in rural (read: redneck) N. WI and there aren't too many that bike around here, though that is changing, albeit slowly. I also smoke and drink. Nothing like stopping in at the local pub and having a couple brews with the 'boys' after a good ride (typically 25 to 50 miles, 4 to 5 times a week.) I have earned their respect and understanding and appreciation for what it is I do not by arguing, antagonizing, taking jabs, complaining, griping about government, pickup drivers or any of that sort of thing. I have earned their respect not for me as much as I have for biking in general because I don't proselytize.

They see me out on the highway. They see me doing things they only hear about or see in negative ways. They see me as one of the fittest amongst them while being one of them: i.e. hanging out drinking beer and BSing.

That's not the only way I help to make change. Here is my grandson and I last fall while I was down visiting. I can't possibly express how excited Erik is to get on the Burley and take off. We do up 20+ miles at a crack. Of course if we see kids his age playing we stop (I always have a book with and keep an eye out ofr him). I have never, ever had to bribe or cajole him about having to leave though. We speed, race and do a lot of crazy stuff. He LOVES it. He gets so excited. And, we get a lot of comments. Positive comments, from bikers and non-bikers alike.


Change, with regards to biking, is taking place. Maybe not as fast as we'd like but it is a big machine and change is a long slow, and sometimes painful, process. Many cities and rural areas are in fact showing very positive steps toward bike friendly environments. If everyone does just a little bit it will continue in the right direction.

Happy biking to you all.