"Nice" Cars
Not every vehicle out there is an SUV. From the point of view of some SUV drivers, at least their vehicles aren't Hummers. I don't really understand the perspective of people who drive Hummers. In fact, the more I rely upon a bicycle, the less I relate to even drivers of nice cars.
I know automotive sales are very sophisticated. Once they've sold you the idea that you need a car, they can sell you almost anything as "at least it's not a Hummer." Just to bring things back into perspective, I offer this test for Truly Clean Vehicles. Try it on your 100-mile-to-the-gallon Ecosensitive Cruizer.
1. With the vehicle running, position your nose within an inch of the exhaust pipe and breathe deeply for three minutes.
2. On a rainy day, gather 16 oz of the water running off the pavement on the underside of your vehicle and drink. Alternately, you could just mix up a cocktail of the various fluids you regularly add to your vehicle.
3. On a beautiful new moon night, find a quiet secluded spot. Stand gazing up and breathe in the beauty of it, before having some heartless bastard drive your car right by you.
If you're not willing to take these tests, please reconsider asking those around you to live with the secretions of your vehicle. If you need help getting around, visit your local community bike shop.
I know automotive sales are very sophisticated. Once they've sold you the idea that you need a car, they can sell you almost anything as "at least it's not a Hummer." Just to bring things back into perspective, I offer this test for Truly Clean Vehicles. Try it on your 100-mile-to-the-gallon Ecosensitive Cruizer.
1. With the vehicle running, position your nose within an inch of the exhaust pipe and breathe deeply for three minutes.
2. On a rainy day, gather 16 oz of the water running off the pavement on the underside of your vehicle and drink. Alternately, you could just mix up a cocktail of the various fluids you regularly add to your vehicle.
3. On a beautiful new moon night, find a quiet secluded spot. Stand gazing up and breathe in the beauty of it, before having some heartless bastard drive your car right by you.
If you're not willing to take these tests, please reconsider asking those around you to live with the secretions of your vehicle. If you need help getting around, visit your local community bike shop.
posted by Vernon Huffman at 7:27 AM
3 Comments:
I must agree... I don't like the mentality of needing "nice" or big cars.
Good test criteria. This should be the norm, but don't forget. When buying a car it's about ME ME ME!
Hey, what about an update from the road? I posted a lot of the send-off photos at the blog. It may be toward the bottom of the page.
vernon, i have to say you have way of putting it into perspective, extreme mind you, but it's right-on!! thank you.
i for long time have not appreciated the "secretions" form motor vehicles. i've depended on a bicycle for about 10 years.
it's so wonderful to have more and more people learning to appreciate the freedom that a bicycle brings, mentally, emotionally,physically and spiritually.
"don't give up the hope of better tommorrow"
ron
this is not at all helpful. you're essentially inviting people to poison themselves and i find this very condescending. i know my car still pollutes. i made the best choice i could at the time.
how are you any different from the catholics who gather around planned parenthood to excoriate people for their difficult choices? they believe lives are at stake too you know, and i find their puritanical efforts offensive as well.
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