Originally Posted by guenevere
I'd like to bring up the subject for discussion, just how we passionate cycling advocates *can* begin to influence the masses in this direction.
The simple fact is: it's won't happen. Just take a look at all the whining that goes on in the popular press about fuel prices for example. People are complaining everywhere that driving costs too much, but nobody stops driving. They go to ridiculous lengths to minimise the cost within that capacity -- such as trying to fill up the tank when and where they might save a few cents. Some might consider public transport as a last resort, but nobody talks about cycling. It's becoming more and more apparent everyday that the only people who will even consider transportational cycling are those who are riding recreationally already, or have some inherent desire to ride a bike.
I really don't see this changing one bit -- ever. Even when peak oil hits, cars will simply move onto other fuels. The technology is there now, the only reason they persist with oil based fuels is because they are currently cheaper than any of the alternatives. Already here in Queensland we've seen a push to use Ethanol (a by-product of sugar cane, which is grown widely here) in fuels in an effort to reduce the cost. Whether it works, who knows? In the long run they won't have much choice if the price of oil keeps rising. The motor vehicle will never disappear, it will just get more expensive. Perhaps one day we'll see fuel for cars being grown by farmers where food is now grown. That's when things could get really messy.
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I am clinically insane. I am proud of it.
That is all.