The most empowered I’ve ever felt in terms of transportation is riding a bike.
As a kid it provided an unprecedented freedom to travel to see friends while also serving as another form of play. As an adult, it freed me from the stresses of traffic and made my commute actually enjoyable while also providing exercise. Where my routes and progress are very restrained with a car, bikes are free to take more paths, more shortcuts, and usually don’t require stops unless you are riding along with traffic…which is the worst type of biking.
As a teenager, all I wanted was the ability to drive, after 20 years of driving, all I want now is to not have to drive. Having no other choice but to drive makes me feel like a slave to my car, very much like having to spend the majority of my life working towards things I don’t care about for people I’d rather not work for.
If you don’t enjoy biking, may I suggest a different type of bike? Hybrid bikes (most “normal” bikes) are the worst experience in all circumstances. If you are commuting, try an upright bike/cruiser style with an internal gear hub. There are lots of cheap/free old steel-frame bikes that work well with just a little fixing up and minimal maintenance. If you want to ride on trails, get a purpose-built mountain bike. Seriously, just try something else if you don’t enjoy riding. Chances are, there is something out there that will fit you.
The most empowered I’ve ever felt in terms of transportation is riding a bike.
As a kid it provided an unprecedented freedom to travel to see friends while also serving as another form of play. As an adult, it freed me from the stresses of traffic and made my commute actually enjoyable while also providing exercise. Where my routes and progress are very restrained with a car, bikes are free to take more paths, more shortcuts, and usually don’t require stops unless you are riding along with traffic…which is the worst type of biking.
As a teenager, all I wanted was the ability to drive, after 20 years of driving, all I want now is to not have to drive. Having no other choice but to drive makes me feel like a slave to my car, very much like having to spend the majority of my life working towards things I don’t care about for people I’d rather not work for.
If you don’t enjoy biking, may I suggest a different type of bike? Hybrid bikes (most “normal” bikes) are the worst experience in all circumstances. If you are commuting, try an upright bike/cruiser style with an internal gear hub. There are lots of cheap/free old steel-frame bikes that work well with just a little fixing up and minimal maintenance. If you want to ride on trails, get a purpose-built mountain bike. Seriously, just try something else if you don’t enjoy riding. Chances are, there is something out there that will fit you.
But I like my hybrid bike 😢
There’s a bike for everyone. Sorry for shitting on yours, comrade.