They said that owning a car would represent a sense of freedom, but it just feels like shackles. I posit that having a trusty bike is the actual symbol of freedom.
No form of transportation provides more freedom than the bike.
Think just walking/jogging compares. Easier to navigate harsh terrain, don’t need need replacement parts (although I would at least want some decent fitting shoes).
But biking lets you get places much faster than walking and is far less taxing when done for long periods (assuming your seat fits you fine). If you do your own repairs, its a simple way to learn to DIY things. Like even with car repairs, I think having worked on my bike as much as I have contributes to me feeling comfortable doing simple things like changing the alternator (on cars with an autotensioner, at least). I think there’s also at least some sense of solidarity (in the US at least) among bicyclists.
Still, I miss my previous residence. Being able to walk to a grocery store, doctors appointments, CVS, food places, etc was great. With a bike, there’s the hassle of putting it somewhere while in businesses (and a lot of places don’t have dedicated bike racks), carrying a helmet if you choose to use one (I do).
They said that owning a car would represent a sense of freedom, but it just feels like shackles. I posit that having a trusty bike is the actual symbol of freedom.
No form of transportation provides more freedom than the bike.
Think just walking/jogging compares. Easier to navigate harsh terrain, don’t need need replacement parts (although I would at least want some decent fitting shoes).
But biking lets you get places much faster than walking and is far less taxing when done for long periods (assuming your seat fits you fine). If you do your own repairs, its a simple way to learn to DIY things. Like even with car repairs, I think having worked on my bike as much as I have contributes to me feeling comfortable doing simple things like changing the alternator (on cars with an autotensioner, at least). I think there’s also at least some sense of solidarity (in the US at least) among bicyclists.
Still, I miss my previous residence. Being able to walk to a grocery store, doctors appointments, CVS, food places, etc was great. With a bike, there’s the hassle of putting it somewhere while in businesses (and a lot of places don’t have dedicated bike racks), carrying a helmet if you choose to use one (I do).