SAFER CYCLING: something we can ALL agree on…
bi·par·ti·san
/bīˈpärdəz(ə)n/
adjective
involving the agreement or cooperation of two political parties that usually oppose each other's policies.
"the reforms received considerable bipartisan approval"
Let’s talk about all the ways bikes (both pedal and e-bikes) can save us, if we’ll let them:
Happier, healthier humans: more movement, better physical wellness, improved mental wellness.
Less wear and tear on roadways, which cost more than we can afford to continue building and maintaining.
Less drain and strain on our healthcare systems: happier, healthier, more connected and engaged humans mean fewer doctors appointments or visits to the ER for health maladies.
Less traffic. PERIOD.
One car parking space fits 10+ bikes. Cities gain literal room for parks, patios, trees, and human-friendly spaces.
Less air pollution. Even compared to electric cars, bikes and e-bikes have a fraction of the emissions in both use and production.
Money saved in car maintenance, insurance costs, licenses, taxes, registration, fees, upkeep.
Connection to other humans: on the bike, we are more likely to wave, make eye contact, say hi to other people we encounter along the way. Bikes naturally encourage proximity and spontaneous human interaction—something public health experts now consider as vital as reducing smoking rates.
Bikes create quiet cities—improving quality of life and reducing chronic stress associated with constant low-grade noise.
Bikes give young people freedom, mobility, and autonomy without requiring car ownership or adult chauffeurs.
Connection to our environment: on the bike, we see, smell, sense, feel, and experience things we’d miss entirely inside of a car…things like birds chirping, the rain on our face, the smell of freshly-cut grass, blooming flowers, animals, and so on. We are re-connected to Mother Nature in a really important way, re-establishing that bond that has been severed for so many inside homes, cars, offices.
We are off screens. Need I say more? We all know we need more digital detoxing. Riding helps. Phone down, head up, pedal!
We spend less shopping when we take the bike because we are limited in cargo carrying space (generally- those with large cargo bikes being the exception!). We shop more often because we have to carry fewer items, so we shop more intentionally, often leading to buying fresher foods instead of “stocking up” on mass quantities of things.
Bike riders tend to shop local. Because trips are shorter and more frequent, dollars stay in the community instead of flowing to corporate gas stations and auto industries.
A reliable bike or e-bike often eliminates the need for a second car, saving families tens of thousands over time.
JOY! Cycling inserts small doses of pleasure, nature, movement, and fresh air into even mundane errands.
Bike-friendly cities tend to be more vibrant, connected, and proud of their outdoor culture.
In short— Moving at a human pace naturally slows the mind, reduces overstimulation, and reconnects people to the present moment. Something I think we’d all agree, we need more of.
The truth is that the list above are things BOTH sides of the political aisle can agree on.
Whether you believe in climate crisis or think it’s a hoax; whether you think MAHA (Make American Health Again) is a joke or not, you probably do agree that Americans and people worldwide are trending NOT well in the health department; kids are battling obesity and now have shorter life spans than we do. That is NOT good.
Both political parties believe we are all on our screens too much, and with AI moving in, who knows where that takes us!
Some want to save this planet while some want to move us to Mars - either way, we’ll need a way to get around. Bikes are cheap (as compared to cars), empower us to use our bodies and employ our senses on the ride, and connect to people, places and things around us.
So - while we are so divided politically on SO many issues, why not start on something we can agree on? Common ground is here, and I want you involved.
Better, safer cycling, is better for everyone. EVERY. ONE. Bikes are Bipartisan. Are you in?