As I roll out on my daily commute, this chosen lifestyle continues to reward and invigorate. Passing those single drivers in their polluting behemoths, stuck in a frantic, wild-eyed race to nowhere, I realize again and again how lucky I am not to be trapped in that cage. I wonder how many of those folks wish they could do differently, but feel the chains of obligation dragging them ever onward…
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I do know we must, collectively, do things differently, and the Way seems amazingly clear; so what is it that compels us in this madness? Here in Marin, it seems the status of the car is sacred, and regardless of the pain, it will not be sacrificed. There appears to be enough wealth to maintain this car culture long beyond any rational point, though much of that wealth is illusion, I know. I already see strata developing, those of us on the “bottom” dusting off old bikes, parking the car, and finding a new way. Then, I see many folks just dealing with the higher cost, perhaps cutting spending elsewhere, but certainly not getting out of their cars. And there will always be those at the “top” with plenty of means to continue driving, no matter the cost. But don’t doubt that changes are-a-comin’…
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With that in mind, remember my earlier words: get your bike and some spare parts now, you may not have the choice in the future…