I will be so happy when nobody even notices or cares that I arrived by foot or bicycle to a meeting, gathering, or other event.
As an environmental activist and social-justice activist, I am working for a world where non-car-ownership is totally unmemorable and commonplace — because everybody has access to their daily needs without having to own their own car.
Right now we basically have a system
of forced car ownership in most parts of the USA. It’s a regressive tax on the poor, and a burden on the nondriving public as well.
The most dysfunctional example I can think of of this, is our local nonprofits’ food distribution events, where the flyer says you must show up in a vehicle; no walk ups. So many problems with that. Starting with maybe the person would be able to afford food if they weren’t forced to own a car. I speak from experience. A big part of why I never had to seek any food assistance during my “lean years” was that I was not burdened with the expense of car ownership.
(And not incidentally, it’s also really a burden on the driving public too!)
And also a burden on older people who are getting to where they probably shouldn’t drive but they still kind of have to.
I always cringe when people brag about how their elderly parent or grandparent is still driving, like that’s a good thing. If I’m going to be the stud-ette of my nursing home, I’d rather have it be because I was a successful advocate for public transport and walkability.
PS. This gives me an idea! Anyone who wants to join me in caravaning by bicycle (or foot) to upcoming events, give me a shout! There is safety in numbers, I know a lot about riding (and walking) safely, and this weekend the moon is going to be quite bright as it will still be almost full that evening.
PPS. For more content about environmental issues etc., please like and follow my FB page DEEP GREEN book by Jenny Nazak,