I'm sorry, but, the argument that all SUV drivers are obese, selfish, psychotic, homicidal, tree-killing, etc., etc., etc... is getting very old. I personally don't know more than a handful of people who fit this equation

However, I also know a bunch of folk who own an SUV who bear no resemblance to the aforementioned sociopath. One, I see in the mirror every morning. I did own the aforementioned Excursion. I don't own it now because of the mechanical ineptitude inherent in the vehicle. I now have a suburban. It's a much better vehicle from an engineering and manufacturing standpoint.

I own one SUV. Our other vehicle is a small GM that gets tons of mileage. My wife and I use it for longer trips that don't require both of us, and/or our four children to go along. I ride more than I drive. I love it and it helps provide exercise on busy weeks when time for other forms of exercise isn't available.

My wife rides for exercise and short trips when it isn't necessary to have a basketball team in tow. The SUV is used for long trips and trips where all, or most, of the household are present. I also use it to tow goods, materials, etc... related to my business. Occasionally, I use it to tow our boat to and from storage. It should last many, many years with the mileage we put on the vehicle.

Oh, we also rarely add any type of chemical on our property. We recycle, eat healthy, shun fast food, don't watch the boob tube too often, and, I love a good imported beer !

Finally, I've found SUV drivers to be pretty consistent with the population as a whole. They run the gammut of human existence as far as lifestyle and personalities. They can't be pigeon-holed any more than cyclists can. You know, the cyclist who drive their bikes to a ride, and, back again. Who drive to the store, library, work, etc... when a ride would suffice perfectly. The ones who wouldn't know a recycling bin if it fell on their head. Who ride for the social aspect alone. Of course, they are free to do all of these things just as I am free to pursue the course I have.

The more militant cyclists get as it pertains to non-cyclists, the less chance large numbers of people can be convinced to give it a try. No one likes to be attacked, and, they sure aren't going to "see the light" suddenly and join hands with the people doing the attacking. At least the vast majority won't. It's the main reason I don't belong to a club or participate in more group events. I tired of hearing the "great spandex ones" trash many activities and items associated with me when they drive to the ride(and, most other places), or, do nothing outside of the rides to address any situation they like to describe in hand-wringing detail. Oh, I drop most of them on the rides also. It seems that's the only significant mileage most of them attempt.

I've always found that identifying common-ground, and, having a rational discourse concerning topics of contention is more effective than search-and-destroy tactics. Logical, rational debate will win many more over than ridicule and scorn. Unfortunately, too many are in the arena just for the opportunity to ridicule, scorn, and, be part of some "movement" whether real or perceived.

FitCyclist