I envy the bikers

Portland is known for being the most bike-friendly city in the country. And it's getting friendlier for bikes all the time, with nearly 12% of our population commuting by bike and a strong bike lobby working with the city to expand the network of bike-friendly streets.

We happen to live on one of those streets, and I look out at the passing bikers with envy as they ride by throughout the day. I think what I envy most is a sense of luxury they seem to have that I do not.... the time and freedom to commute by bike. Of course, my skeptic says the 'time' problem is all in my head. If I simply did less, I'd have the time! But what would I give up... work? activism? sleep? family time? a social life? Part of selling our home and cutting our living expenses is so we will have more time.... so I am working on that piece of the equation.

The other piece... the 'freedom'... refers to carting two kids around. They are just now learning to ride bikes safely on city streets. We went to the park yesterday, Claressa on her bike and me pulling Caden, and it felt great! Getting to school 10 blocks away seems 'doable'. Getting to singing practice downtown a bit less so....

It comes down to how our lives are structured.... doing too much, too far away... and all that can be changed. Perhaps my 'envy' is just a sign of my disenfranchisement. From my own power to create the life I want to live. Seems I've had the attitude that I would get to it tomorrow. That was yesterday.

Comments

  1. UnknownDecember 11, 2008 at 4:09 PM

    Hi Jas,

    I always bike or walk to work. Living in Kawasaki, Japan of course makes that easier, and not having a car takes away that option. I walk about one mile to work twice a week. It only takes 30 min or less. Biking takes 15 minutes. A taxi also takes 15 minutes, because I have to call and wait for them to show. Think of it in trip minutes, not in distance.

    I think if you are willing to die, (previous post) you are probably ready to walk and ride.

    P.S. I found this because I do JAS (Japan Agricultural Standard) organic certification, so in my google alerts, I always get your blog updates (JAS organic).



    Donald Nordeng
    http://www.ecocert.qai.jp/

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  2. MorganDecember 16, 2008 at 12:07 PM

    Jas,

    I meander around Portland on my bike all the time with my kids. I have the fun contraption that has a ride along bike and then a burley trailer. My kids are 5 and 7.

    It is awesome! I recently went on a trip where I spent lots of time in a car (yuck) listening to radio (mostly NPR). And my stress level increased dramatically hearing about all the global challenges happening.

    Upon returning and riding my bike, being with my thoughts, breathing fresh air, sweating in the cold air, I felt alive again. And the kids love it!

    I also find that it is not that much slower than a car around Portland. When you know the routes and know how to stay safe it only takes a few more minutes. And it is quality life for me and my little ones.

    Playing Huge.
    morgan

    www.playhugecoaching.blogspot.com

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