Chicago? (Kind of hard to get around in the snow with a bike. And the humidity without A.C. might be unbearable at times.)
How did the South Bay (So California, USA) overlook this opportunity to put a major dent in the areas of horrendous gas consumption, and to help get the absurd gas guzzling vehicles off the road. After all, who needs $40,000-plus ego satisfying vehicles for transportation? The French know how to do it...small cars are derigueur. (The price of petrol may have something to do with this.)
But this aside, bicycles are practical. Parking isn't a problem, the cost of renting is far less than gas, and vehicle cost is eliminated. And of course, there is no pollution.
In Paris it works like this: Riders can pick up a bike at any time of day or night, after lodging a 150-euro safety deposit. The first half hour is free, with prices rising to one euro (1.4 dollars) for every extra half hour.
The "Velib" scheme in Paris has 10,000 bicycles at 750 hire points dotted around Paris, with plans for 20,000 bikes at 1,400 hire points by year end.
Residents of the South Bay pride themselves in physical fitness and outdoor sports. Here’s a plan with fascinating possibilities. (Of course freeway use is not recommended.)
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