Ten Reasons to Cycle into the new Millennium
Wheel Life column - December 23, 2000
by Todd Litman and Suzanne Kort - Victoria Transport Policy Institute

Run 30 December 2000

Ten Reasons to Cycle into the new Millennium

A new millennium officially begins in just two days. Are you ready?

The future just isn't what it used to be. A few decades ago science fiction writers envisioned that we would now be traveling in nuclear-powered flying cars, and taking holiday trips to the moon. In reality our transportation problems are as bad as ever: high vehicle expenses, stress, congestion, traffic crashes, pollution, and a landscape being paved for more roads and parking.

Those science fiction writers were so infatuated with technology that they often overlooked the quality of life issues. Once the novelty wears off, it's difficult to see much benefit from flying cars or holidays on the moon. Flying motorists would still have parking problems, and moon vacationers would surely complain about the Sea of Tranquility Hilton's lousy service.

We'd prefer to keep our feet on the ground, or rather, on a bicycle pedal. Give us a ride through the woods followed by a drink at the local pub over a trip in a spacecraft with a glass of Tang any day.

You too might agree that its best to proceed into the future with a little less emphasis on speed, and a little more emphasis on enjoyment, health and community livability. Here are ten reasons to make cycling part of the next millennium.

1. Enjoyment. There is no better way to spend the next thousand years than exploring our wonderful planet by bicycle.
2. Health. Regular cycling is an excellent way to stay active and healthy, so you'll survive well into the millennium.
3. Friendship. Cycling is a perfect activity to share with friends, whether they are local or extraterrestrials.
4. Body toning. Cycling can help get rid of the flab that develops during space travel. You can have good-looking legs, a tight butt and firm muscles, perfect for competing in the Mr./Ms. Universe contest.
5. Save money. For what an average household spends on automobiles they could outfit each family member with a new bike each year, and still have money left for a trip to Hawaii.
6. Save energy. Geophysicists predict that the supply of cheap petroleum will end sometime during the next decade, sending fuel prices up into the stratosphere. Pass those gas pumps on a bicycle.
7. Community livability. More bicycling and less driving can help make your neighborhood quieter, safer and more pleasant, so you won't want to run away to another world.
8. Inspiration. Cycling sets a great example for the next generation. Let the kids see you bicycle into their millennium.
9. Stress Reduction. A bike ride is a great way to unwind after a hard day on the computer, and the frustrations of piloting a spacecraft.
10. Help the planet. Melting arctic ice, extreme weather events, oak forests paved for parking lots--do we need more reminders of the importance of preserving spacecraft Earth for many millennia to come? As grandma always said, "When you borrow something, always return it in better condition than it was in when you received it."