Bicycles Can Save The Planet!
The Problem:
Pollution. Global Warming. Traffic. Lack of safe bike paths and trails. Unhealthy population. Narrow roads. Lack of parking. Cranky people!
I keep hearing people talk about needing more parking, wider streets for traffic, better bus systems and ferries, etc. This combined with all the comments I hear about how they are scared to ride their bicycles because of the poor cycling infrastructure - the lack of dedicated cycling lanes and routes. Cities talk about throwing millions of dollars into road development, parking complexes, high-speed ferries and downtown link buses while putting little emphasis on the need for bike paths.
The Solution:
What if the money were better allocated and instead used to create a system of safe bike lanes that interconnected our communities? Some could connect to recreational trail systems and others would provide a means for commuters to ride their bikes safely to work. The safety and accessibility of such a system would encourage more people to ride.
The Result:
- Less need for parking and improved transit systems
- Less need to widen roads
- Fewer complaints of unsafe cycling conditions
- More people are inspired to ride
- More children on bikes, creating healthier generations
- Transforming car commuters to bike commuters reduces polluting emissions, so we can all breathe cleaner air
- People buying bikes support jobs and businesses
- Active communities have fewer weight-related diseases and lower healthcare costs
- When people ride bikes, the get to know their neighbours and neighbourhoods, creating stronger community bonds and better environmental awareness
The Philosophy:
I don't think everyone has to sell their cars and become cycling fanatics, but what a difference it would make if everyone rode their bike at least one day per year instead of driving a car! What if this happened in every major city in Canada? The World? All of these advantages just by riding a bicycle. You know, it may actually be true. Bicycles CAN save the planet! I will be using this site and Trademark to promote cycling and cycling-related events for all ages and skill levels. I welcome your ideas and comments. Please feel free to contact me at the address at the bottom of this page.
The Future:
Proceeds from the sales of BCSTP merchandise will go to help local and eventually, national cycling-related organizations from trail builders to safe cycling advocacy. Sticker sales proceeds are going to help buy trail development tools to support local trail development. Five dollars from the sale of each T-shirt will be donated to the Trans Canada Trail. This is only the beginning of the Revolution… the sky is the limit.
How to help:
Order your BCSTP stickers and t-shirts today! New merchandise will be added all the time and the site will be updated frequently. You should also contact your local cycling organization or bike shop and see what is happening in your area. You can help by joining your local cycling club, riding your bicycle to work once in awhile instead of taking the car, and chipping in to do some trail maintenance when needed! Bicycles can save the planet with your help!
Contact information:
Geoff Murray – Coordinator
www.bicyclescansavetheplanet.com
bicyclescansavetheplanet@hotmail.com
Bedford, Nova Scotia
