taiwwa said: Click to expand...Before 'car' use was widespread, people lived where they slept. We spoke with our neighbors, we shopped locally as it was more cost-efficient. We had contact with where we slept, and so we notice it and we cared.
Before 'car' use was widespread, people lived where they slept. We spoke with our neighbors, we shopped locally as it was more cost-efficient. We had contact with where we slept, and so we notice it and we cared.When I migrated to New Zealand, it was still common to find small 'Dairy' shops in easy walking distance. I paid for the convenience as it saved me the cost of having a car.With the 'car', particularly after WWII in the US, we changed how we lived and started 'sliding off' where we lived - we didn't need to improve the neighborhood, we could travel to amenities we liked in human timescale. We ceased having so much opportunity and reason to engage with the people that lived nearby.And we REALLY RAMPED UP OUR CONSUMPTION. Creating a larger economy offers business and government the opportunity to 'do more', and many people are unlikely to choose to do less unless forced by circumstance. But the ecological effects are becoming difficult to lie about, even for the people that have 'more'.Lie is the correct word.We can find our way back to local living, local consumption, and a much smaller ecological footprint sensibly, or on a path through strife, but we will find our way back to local living - I passed my thermodynamics classes. Losing the 'car' will be a part of that - we don't need it, certainly not as the bloated ego-vibrator it has become.Objects at rest tend to remain at rest - this includes many people if they don't need to think. If they can get away without thinking.Don't help them. Discourage lazy thoughtlessness with your actions and vote.The 'Elf' and the 'Pebl' and similar make sense for local scale. We don't need to discard the technology we have devised, and we don't need to stop learning more and using it. But we can't afford to give people excuses to ignore reality - like a 'car' in it's current form. Spending resources to massage some idiot's ego is obviously a criminal waste, and difficult to justify with any compassion for others.Consumption, fueled by other than need (egos anyone?) is our greatest threat. Another way to say this is unconsciousness is our greatest scourge.One reason I chose my trike is that it is large enough to put an 'Elf' or 'Pebl' like weather shield on. Now I have most of the running gear working I'm beginning to consider how to handle that. I'm acting now while I have the opportunity - apart from violence, this solution is likely to work for the term of my life.Given your criteria, your analysis may be correct. I suggest you step back and reconsider the value of your criteria. Anything that advantages thoughtfullness, and disadvantages idiocy, is probably the better investment criteria.We will get smaller. We can do it the easy way or the hard way. As Fani Willis is quoted to say, "Deal with reality or it will deal with you".
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are becoming increasingly popular as a way to get around town, commute to work, or simply enjoy a leisurely ride. Some people worry that e-bikes are "cheating" and that riders are not getting as much exercise as traditional bike riders. However, a recent study suggests that this may not be entirely true.
The study, published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, found that e-bike riders actually get more exercise than traditional bike riders. The researchers looked at data from 10 studies conducted in Europe and North America, which included a total of 1,415 participants. They found that e-bike riders spent more time riding and covered more distance than traditional bike riders, which resulted in more overall physical activity.
But why is this the case? One possible explanation is that e-bikes allow riders to travel longer distances and tackle more challenging terrain than they would on a traditional bike. This means that e-bike riders are able to ride for longer periods of time, which ultimately leads to more exercise.
It's important to note that not all e-bikes are created equal when it comes to exercise benefits. The study found that class 1 e-bikes, which provide pedal assistance up to 20 mph, were the most effective at promoting physical activity. This is because riders still have to pedal and put in some effort to maintain a consistent speed. In contrast, class 2 e-bikes, which have a throttle that allows riders to cruise without pedaling, were found to be less effective at promoting exercise.
If you're interested in trying out an e-bike for exercise, it's recommended that you choose a class 1 model like the ones offered by Story Bicycles. These bikes provide just enough assistance to make riding easier, but still require you to put in some effort. Plus, they're designed to be comfortable and easy to ride, making them a great choice for anyone looking to get more exercise and enjoy the outdoors.
Overall, the idea that e-bike riders are getting less exercise than traditional bike riders is a myth. In fact, studies have shown that e-bike riders are actually getting more exercise, especially if they choose a class 1 model. So if you're looking for a fun and effective way to get more physical activity, an e-bike might be just what you need.