the ride in this am was kinda hectic its friday and all the car drivers wait till the last minute to scrape and go. Crossing major streets was a long wait. One lady in a little red honda almost backed into the car in front of me and then kept backing out. When she reached the street I saw why..... she had a small 3 or 4 inch oval at the bottom of the window that the defroster had melted to see thru. She backed into my lane right in front of me and stopped I rolled up within a few feet and spread my arms as if to say wtf are u doing big dummy. You know last year that would have ruined my whole day, this year it is just a source for pity. I pity her because she is tied to that form of transport. Americans especially talk about the freedom of the open road,(as in driving) in reality corporate america holds people like her prisioner. She has car payments most likely and insurance, gas, and maintence. It was -4 F today with the windchill even with that I enjoyed the ride in. heres the kicker- My direct supervisor was following me for the last 2 blks he turned into the parking lot to park and i continued to the bike rack. Even with changing I was at my desk 5 minutes before he was. You tell me how driving is faster in an urban enviorment? Obviously cars are the only option for some people. I have a good friend that is handicapped enough that riding a bicycle is unthinkable. For her a car is a necessity, However a vast majority of us can and should cycle. What better way to break the chains of corporate america? Just refuse to buy their product!