In this day and age we humans travel greater distances at faster speeds. One hundred years ago no one would think of driving from Toronto to Montreal in one day. Times have changed. Our options for travel have increased.

We need to make decisions on our modes of transportation. Whether travelling a short distance to work, or a long distance to visit relatives we do have choices that will effect the earth.

With rising oil prices, fuel mileage is crucial. Perhaps when purchasing your next vehicle, opt out on the gas guzzling road hog SUV's and choose a hybrid model or a more fuel efficient vehicle that will get you across the province on one tank or so.

When needing to go short distances, try using your legs by walking or biking. Not only do you save money on the gas, you get fresh air, and exercise (free exercise at that, not a costly gym membership).

By choosing alternative forms of transportation we can reduce greenhouse gases and keep our bodies healthy and fit.

Contact info@melissaparrott.com with ideas and comments.

CRITICAL MASS LONDON

The last Friday of every month is a special one for cyclists in many cities across the world. In London Ontario, anyways, it is the day we hold a critical mass bike ride. Cyclists meet in Victoria Park at 6pm and ride as one group down a decided route to promote awareness of cycling in the community. This mass bike ride serves as a reminder to motorists to share the road and to do so safely. We're not blocking traffic - We are traffic!

So bring your bike to promote an evironmentally friendly alternative to smog and oil consumption.

Poster and more info on Critical Mass

WINTER BIKE KITCHEN & WORKSHOP
January 11th 2009 Noon-8pm
London, Ontario
Come on over to the East Village Arts Co-op (757 Dundas E) for winter biking tips and tuneups. Donations accepted.

BICYCLE PRODUCTION REMAINS STRONG WORLDWIDE
by Elizabeth Mygatt

In 2003, global production of bicycles hit 105 million—two-and-a-half times the record 42 million cars produced. During the 1950s and 1960s, bicycle and automobile production were nearly equal. In the decades following, however, bike output soared, reaching 91 million in 1990, when car production totaled 36 million. Since then, with the exception of 1997 and 1998 (when output dropped to 90 million and then 87 million), about 100 million bikes have been produced each year…

For entire text see http://www.earthpolicy.org/Indicators/Bike/2005.htm

For data see http://www.earthpolicy.org/Indicators/Bike/Bike_data.htm

For an index of Earth Policy Institute resources related to BICYCLES and TRANSPORTATION see http://www.earthpolicy.org/Indicators/Bike/index.htm

And for more thoughts on “Redesigning Cities for People”
(not cars), see Chapter 9 of Lester Brown’s ECO-ECONOMY: Building an Economy for the Earth, at  http://www.earthpolicy.org/Books/Eco/index.htm