Originally posted by Raiyn
So I'm supposed to be in awe of this somehow? There are a bunch of people here who bike to work and their commute is over 20 miles. I'm supposed to feel all shiny and happy because some couch-potato exec drives an SUV because he has over 20 miles to go to work? Move closer to work! Get a more efficent vehicle! Carpool! These single occupant vehicles (more specifically single occupant SUV's) burn more fuel for no better reason than to haul some lazy status-seeking schlub to his office. At least with the trucks they're generally hauling a USEFUL product. ....over 20 miles cry me a river.
It appears you hate executives... of which I am. You must work in a real high profile, fast, demanding career position from 9-5 right.
So, let's draw the line... Oil is about transportation and degrees of luxury. I have spent my life building a company, creating jobs then offering careers to a diverse base of employees. To conduct business we're required to visit and entertain clients in the field... Kids Toyota trunks, Honda Accords and EV's don't cut it when taking executives out for lunch...to close a million dollar deal...which supports the employ of hundreds of staff. Ever notice in your European travels that MBZ's are taxi's everywhere else...
Our offices are located in the middle of various cities for convenience. Carpooling is great if one works from 8-5... But, who gets promoted doing that, nobody I know. Most people commute in from all direction because housing costs near the financial districts is high and very limited, with even worse school options, forcing most to live 20-60miles from their offices and drive in by 6-8am, leave for home @5-7pm... Yeah, brilliant one, biking works... I live 65miles!!!from my company... I could move the office to convenience me and layoff all those that don't like my selfish move...but, then again, I have greater consideration for others. To add to the problem, many that are socially conscious spend substantial amounts of time during and after work volunteering in various community service organizations and have child duties... Let's see, I know you'd ride your bike, right! Your out in the inner-city, biking around delivering food, picking up families and taking your child to ballet, etc...
So, oh wise enlightened, frugal community leader bike commuter.... I'd like to know what exactly you do for our great country, besides ride your bike to work, that I am not when I drive my Escalade (16mpg) or electric cart???? Let's see, just how many jobs have you created, how many bonuses did you hand out this past Xmas. Just how many company autos have you paid for, how many families have you supported and just how much of your personal biking time is spent volunteering after your demanding job? How many struggling families are you trying to help?? besides your idealistic dreamer self???
I'd say your environmentally friendly bike is hauling community waste...
