The bikes are winning in Tucson and everywhere
For a look at how bikes are entering the popular cultural mind:
And a more local view:
Then one day a few years ago I started secretly following the CopenhagenCycleChic.com blog and marveling at how absolutely beautiful it is over there in Europe, and although I forgot for a moment, pining away for some Scandanavian or Mediterranean dream, it dawned on me so clearly just how beautiful the bike scene is as well right here in little Tucson, with our own distinct brand of BIKE BEAUTY and bicycle related goings ons.
(From www.tucsonbikebeautiful.blogspot.com.)
I’ve been finding myself having this exact same conversation a lot lately. Have you noticed the changes in Tucson’s bike culture over the past few years? I walked from my office to the police station the other day, which takes about two and a half minutes, and I saw five people on bikes and one bike on a Sun Trans bus.
We all like to complain about Tucson and how terrifying it can sometimes be to try to get around in this town on a bike, but things are improving really fast. When is the last time someone told you to “get on the sidewalk”? Seriously, when? It used to happen to me once or twice a year. But it’s been at least three years since it happened last. Bikes are becoming legitimate here.
Maybe it’s just the gorgeous weather talking, but I think Tucson is a great place to live and bike. I’m with Tucsonbikebeautiful: we should celebrate it more.
–Erik Ryberg
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:06 pm
I’ve been reading Pedaling Revolution by Jeff Mapes, and the more I read it, the more I realize, we have a pretty good situation here.
There are always things that need improvement, but it could be a lot worse.
February 3rd, 2010 at 6:37 pm
Could be a lot worse. The motorist who shot me might have hit me in the head instead of the arm. Wild dogs, baseball-bat swingers, right hookers, yellers, honkers, buzzers and police who routinely look the other way. I envy your disposition.
February 7th, 2010 at 10:21 am
Dope Video! Anyone know where it was shot? LA critical Mass ride?
February 9th, 2010 at 4:58 pm
Nobody’s ever yelled at me to get on the sidewalk but Friday for the first time somebody yelled at me to get out of the road. I was turning left from Tanque Verde onto Pima. I yelled back, “You!” I’m really quick on my feet. (eye roll)