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Today's picture: A freshly painted bike lane on my way home to Crescent Hill from Downtown.
It's 9 p.m. Wednesday. I'm throwing together a gigantic pot of white chili for the weekend. But lo and behold, halfway through the highly specialized process of combining the carefully chosen ingredients, I discover I'm missing several key items – great northern beans, for example. The recipe calls for two cans. I know I'll need four. I'm out of minced garlic and yellow peppers, too. Looks like I'm making a trip to the grocery – on my bike, in the dark.
Don't you just hate running out in the cold for just a few odds and ends, even when you're driving a heated automobile? Well, here I am, all comfortable and warm, heading out in the 50-degree air on my bicycle. Bummer, eh? Not at all. In fact, it's a exhilarating.
Next time you're in a similar situation, leave the car keys at home and take a nice stroll in the moonlight, or power up your lights and bust a move on your trusty two-wheeler. I recommend the bike option only if you're confident riding in the dark and in traffic that's familiar – with bright clothing and bright lights all around. Did I mention lights? The more, the better.
In my case, I'm only seven-tenths of a mile from the Clifton Kroger on US 42. There's a hill on Jane St. that's a pretty steep climb, but otherwise, no real challenges. Round trip is 1.4 miles. The trip shouldn't be a problem for any healthy person who doesn't have a physical impairment. Yet I dare say few of my neighbors have ever walked or biked to the store when all they needed was a handful of small items.
Do you have even a passing interest in climate change, dependence on foreign oil, the cost of gasoline, climbing rates of obesity, and the cost of healthcare? Well, if you're not making at least a few short trips on foot or on a bicycle, you're missing a great opportunity to do what Mahatma Gandhi suggested – "Be the change you want to see in the world."
Keep your car for longer distances, but start using your own energy to make at least a few of your short trips. One caution: be prepared to get hooked on the fresh, crisp, evening air.
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PS: Remember, every lane is a bike lane. Share the road.
freewheelin
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Enjoy the ride home.
See you at pedalaround.blogspot.com
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bikecommuter