It is amazing to me that people will pay millions of dollars for a house with a spectacular view oceans, mountains, valleys, landscapes, even something as simple as a grove of trees. Yet, these same people spend more time gazing not at their view but at cars, highways, noise barriers and each other during their daily commutes. Bicycling, especially on trails and greenways, provides us with direct experience of our natural environment, even in the middle of a city. We need the same annoyingly unforgettable promotions for bicycling. It s not just about the experience of the environment, it is about the environment itself .
Bicycles are the perfect environmental product.
We should challenge the environmental community to ride their talk. You should not be able to call yourself an environmentalist if you don t own as many bicycles as you do cars. All bicycle companies should get such certifications and then use this green seal of approval in marketing and promotion. And it s not just about the environment, it s about safety . All schools districts should be required to accommodate bicycling and walking through non-motorized access plans that include sidewalks, bike lanes, and bike trail development.