Pedal Power

Perusing this Monday morning's headlines over my cup of PG Tips I was not surprised to see that oil prices have surpassed $143 a barrel for the first time in U.S. history. Oil is officially double the price that it was at this time last year with the price of gas at the pumps also hitting an all-time high.

The ouch factor is effecting pocket books big time, and in an unprecedented effort to economize (and reduce the carbon footprint) increasing numbers of committed Californians are hitting the kick stand and cruising around town to work and play by good, old-fashioned pedal power.

Taking the bull by the horns, I've been brandishing backpacks and water bottles and the sensible shoes and boycotting the monster car whenever possible this summer. It's all the rage in rivertown too, as the boys and I discovered in full force on this morning's meander downtown to the post office and pit-stop at a local fresh watering hole!

Sitting outdoors on the sunny side of the Boulevard for a brief spot of refreshment, we overheard a terrific diatribe by a bunch of starving college students.

"We haven't used a car since school got out," said one. "And we've figured out it's way faster as well as cheaper to ride our bikes to work and the store."

"I'm actually enjoying shopping for my food on a daily basis, by bicycle," said the cool boy with a beard. "We met my Mom at a restaurant for dinner one night and we beat her there on the bikes."

The conversing on economical benefits of bicycles went on for quite a while. The sight of so many cyclists taking to the sidewalks and bike paths reminds me of the year I spent working in Cambridge, England, the quintessential college community where town and gown has since decades past taken almost entirely to pedal power as opposed to clogging the curious alleyways and commons with cars.

We have a long way to go in the suburban areas of America, where car has been king for so many years. Despite growing ranks of luxury leisure cyclists taking to the back roads of Marin County and wine country on thousand dollar models of mechanical supremacy (with pricey Tour-De-France style outfits to match), it's the burgeoning round-town cycling bug which will make the biggest difference within our communities and personal cash-flow.

Huffing and puffing my way back up B Street on the steep return trip portion of this morning's foray into fitness and efficiency (with tonight's dinner of Tagliaferri's fresh ravioli tucked carefully into my backpack), I took note of at least two middle age couples cycling merrily downhill on tandem bikes to take care of their weekly errands. No spandex required. And the scores of teenage girls who gracefully pedal around P'Town in their summer frocks and sandals set a trendier tone for bicycle transportation as the norm.

Helmets are essential as a legal requirement for under 18s and a good idea for anyone attempting the rugged roads of coastal Sonoma County and beyond, but to potter down town to the post office and back it's not an absolute necessity (taking care at crossroads) to make it a bad hair day. No excuses. Get on yer' bike!

Note: Northern California wildfires are still blazing into the thousands of individual corners of the countryside, though today's cooler climate is diffusing the risk levels of additional blazes. The sky over Petaluma is blue with fluffy white clouds for the first time in a week. Perfect for bike riding. Make hay while the sun shines..

Comments

[Suzanne]

I have been thinking about doing just that, only there are few safe roads to ride on where I live. I would encourage those who are in cars to keep and eye out for those of us who are on two wheels... it's not easy feeling safe riding side by side with an SUV (especially without bike lanes!)

[Frances]

well, you do have that hip and amazing organic bakery down the street in Penngrove, Suzanne. I could easily be enticed to pedal down those country lanes for the lure of a freshly baked cinnamon roll or a loaf of olive bread or the likes .... kind of defeats the object though, I suppose. Unless you take it home and share it four ways!

[PTownFan]

Every so often I am paced across town by a brave young fellow on an old one speed bike. "No helmet, and no stops" seems to be his mantra. He makes terrifying dashes through red lights at busy intersections without even seeming to look for oncoming traffic. Remarkably, he ALWAYS covers the distance from Valley Vista to North McDowell more quickly than I do (obeying the rules of the road). Though quite concerned for his safety, I have to admit I'm impressed with how quickly one could bike across town even while being cautious. I'm just too afraid to try it. I have been mulling the idea of a scooter though...

[mum]

have printed this latest blog on the joys of cyclists to give to all my patients who decide they cannot keep their appointments because their car has broken down 3 mins from surgery....happened today again!!!!twice!!!!

[Frances]

Fitness levels in village life in the UK have apparently declined to near-American standards of slobbiness. How far can it be from point A to point B in a little town that size? Maybe a fifteen minute from the farthest outpost to your medical facility. Tell them all not to be such lazy bones and get back on the bikes of yesteryear. I remember growing up there and it being the most common form of transport for little, old ladies in their tweed skirts and cardies and tights and sensible shoes and handbags, to tootle up to the shops on their trusty old bicycles. And as for you, Mum, there was a time when you sported double child seats on your bike, which you succeeded in balancing for frequent trips to the grocery shop. What a super Mum you were, and are! No wonder I take such notions to go grocery shopping on two wheels in 90 degree heat.

[Lindsey]

Ironically more people cycle per head in London than anywhere else in the UK, depsite the plethora of public transport options and scary road traffic! I'm in the market for a traditional 'Dutch bike' (old fashioned, black, chunky, basket on the front). They're all the rage with the fashionable set. Just need to find one that fits a child seat!