New episode!
Make Biking Cool (Again)! 🚲
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Work. School. The grocery store. We all need to get somewhere. But how we get there has huge implications for the climate. In the United States, transportation - mainly from cars - makes up roughly a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions. It's true, Electric vehicles help reduce emissions. But experts say that to truly give the climate (and humanity) a chance, we need fewer people reliant on cars of any kind. And that means using alternatives like mass transit, walking, and bicycles. But for a long time in the United States, cycling has gotten a bad rep. They're seen as toys and recreation - not transportation. So, we take a look at how cycling developed its dorky reputation. And, then, we counter it with some propaganda of our own. Because bicycling is not just better for the planet, it's fun, and freeing, and accessible for way more people than you might think.
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Bicycles give you poise and grace that you can't help. It's like- like a violin soloist, the way they sit on stage at a concert.You're kind of confronting your city with your chest out forward and your chin up.
- Anders Swanson, Plain Bicycle Project
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Listen Now
To the Bicycle Jingle 🚲
Click Kendra Pierre-Louis' bike to hear it!
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This is How To Save A Planet Senior Reporter Kendra's bike. You can listen to the jingle our very own Peter Leonard made by clicking the picture.
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Calls to Action
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Go for a bike ride. If it's been awhile since you've ridden a bike, go ride a bike - it's ok to take it slow.
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If you can't ride a bike, Learn to Ride A Bike. In the United States, The League of American Cyclists has resources on where you can find classes. Bike shops and a quick search through your favorite search engine are also great ways to find classes. For people with disabilities, iCan Bike an offshoot of the nonprofit iCanShine offers 5 day bike camps around the United States. If you're willing to try on your own, Bicycling Magazine has a guide.
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Push for better bike infrastructure. People for Bikes has an online "Advocacy Academy," on about on how to advocate for better bike infrastructure. The whole series is worth watching but we especially want to highlight two videos: Making a Better Bike Lane and Slow Streets are Safe Streets. The League of American Cyclists also has advocacy tools, Bicycling magazine also published this advocacy guide.
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Dig into your auto club. If you have an auto club membership, like AAA, make sure they are supporting cycling. According to news reports AAA has lobbied against public transit and cycling infrastructure. If you're a member, reach out to let them know you're pro cycling. If you're looking to jump ship altogether - there are alternatives. You can try contacting your auto insurance for roadside assistance or try a third party like Better World Club. They, like AAA, also offer roadside assistance for bikes.
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Further Reading & Listening
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