Photo credit: istock.com
How many people in the City of Roanoke would trade in their car for a bike? Many people have heard about River Laker, better known as the “Car Less Brit.” He opted to trade in his comfortable, air-conditioned car for a set of two wheels. On Laker’s website, he says he sold his car on a whim and decided to rely solely on a bike for six months. He even set up a museum dedicated to the “booming bike culture” in Roanoke. But take a second glance at our streets, and the bike culture seems less than booming. Kicking your car to the curb is not only a sacrifice—it’s a luxury many can’t afford.
When it comes to green living, not everyone can be a “Car Less Roanoker.” However, Governor Tim Kaine says everyone can still be a part of the green movement. The trick may simply be using less and saving more. That was the message Kaine sent when he made a visit to the Star City last week. He praised green initiatives in Roanoke—applauding business leaders with the Clean and Green Business Coalition.
The governor even hopped on a bike for a ride down the Roanoke River Greenway. Mayor Bowers joined Kaine for the five mile journey—vowing to build more bike paths around the city. The trip wasn’t all about going green. Both leaders also spoke out about fitness and personal health. Biking benefits reach far and wide, something Kaine and Bowers seemed passionate about.
In an interview with WSLS, Governor Kaine said he doesn’t expect to see energy costs going down any time soon. Congressman Tom Perriello agreed during a recent trip to Rocky Mount. He released a blueprint for new energy ideas, saying the time is now to take action and reduce consumption. With stimulus money available for clean energy projects, Perriello says the 5th district has all the tools “to become a leading region in the nation for future clean energy economy.”
Perriello unveiled the blueprint for his energy plan last week. He says the location, timing, resources and people would make green initiatives a success in Southside and Central Virginia. The plan is a result of a “New Energy Summit” held in the 5th district. Leaders from the area helped Perriello pinpoint the steps needed to find environmental success in the future. The congressman said in his release the “entrepreneurs and farmers in the region are ready to become freedom fighters in the struggle” to reduce energy consumption. His “Declaration of Energy Dependence” calls for people to stop sending money overseas and invest in our towns and cities.
Our area—rich with natural beauty—could set the tone for green living across the nation. Now the task at hand: local leaders must change attitudes about the environment. When it comes to trading jeans for spandex, not everyone is ready to jump on a bike. Small steps, like eating local produce and supporting area businesses, can make a change. Just ask Governor Kaine about his stop to the farmer’s market and the Roanoke Weiner Stand.
- "Car Less Brit"
- FOX 21 27: Congressman Perriello unveils energy blueprint
- WSLS: Governor Kaine, green theme in Roanoke
- Renew Virginia
Comments
'interesting article, enjoyed it a lot.
'a couple of comments:
- re Roanoke's booming bike culture, within approx. last 12 months Roanoke has: one bike frame designer relocated here; one bike maker relocated here; for the 2nd of the 6 month Car Less Brit Experiments 2 additional bikers have joined the carless ranks, both with children; one, maybe 2 more folks have also recently joined the carless status; Roanoke had it's first Not So Naked Bike Ride; Roanoke has a bike culture museum, maybe the first in the country of its type; VA Museum of Transportation has partnered with bike culture museum; Ride Solutions has increased interest in non-car commute methods; local bike stores have increased bike enquiries from adults; number of bikers on the roads in Roanoke increased; 2 bike races just occured within Roanoke city limits.
I don't think it's exaggeraing to say Roanoke is experiencing a biking boom.
'& trashing ones car a "luxury"? Surely personal car ownership is luxury!
Roanoke's bike culture may not yet be "booming," but I have seen a cultural shift in that direction within the past two years. I applaud the City for its part in encouraging cycling. As you point out, bicycling has fitness and health benefits. The CDC states: "During the past 20 years there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States." They cite statistics to show it. See cdc.gov/obesity/data/trends. Obesity leads to chronic health problems such as diabetes and hypertension which in turn results in an increase in health insurance premiums for all of us. Having increased recreational opportunities, including bicycle accommodations, makes the area better able to attract young professionals to the high technology jobs everyone says they want in Roanoke. It’s also fun. I have met an entirely new circle of friends as a result of cycling. Helping reduce your carbon footprint is an important benefit of cycling. There are many other benefits as well.
I think Roanoke is definitely taking steps in the right direction to improve it's bike culture but I'd still say it's far from booming. When I think of a booming bike culture I think of paved trails lining most major roads or at least dedicated bike lanes which Roanoke doesn't really have at the moment. Unfortunately unless this is planned from the beginning like in northern Virginia counties it's hard to add in. Hopefully more trails will continue to be developed both for road cyclists and for mountain bikers as we have a perfect location for both. As far as the trashing the car is a luxury I think the point may have been that it is difficult for some people to go without a car due to a family, unfriendly roads on the commute to work, or other obligations that prevent them from simply going without a bike.
Great news for Roanoke. I was just there recently and walked on the path along the river---beautiful. Next time I plan to ride the path on a bike, and I'm glad to hear Gov. Kaine and co. are planning even more bike routes.
I'm all for more bike and walking paths anywhere we can get them.
We need it not only for the environment but also for general health.
Do all these people who are sick as a result of lifestyle choices---overeating pure junk food and not moving enough know how much damage they do to the economy and health care by racking up expensive prescription drugs and doctor visits? I'm beginning to think these lifestyle choices are downright unpatriotic. Do they know how much better they'd feel if they ate better and exercised more?
River is right - the changes may not seem huge but they are significant. RIDE Solutions has seen broader acceptance of and usage of all kinds of alternatives, particularly biking and public transit. The biking boom is particularly great because, for whatever reason, biking is becoming increasingly tied to creative urban culture - Portland and Arlington, for example, are not just known as a great biking cities, for example, but also great cities for people to live in, with good job opportunities and amenities. A strong bicycle presence is an indicator of short commute trips, good urban design, healthy lifestyles, and other desirable items.
Roanoke isn't there, of course, and there is work to do, but there is dedication from governments to get their and passion from individuals to help. I have confidence we'll get there before much longer.
And, as an side: You don't need to give up your jeans for spandex! Just wear your jeans. Really, it's OK to hop on your bike and ride. :
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