[antisthenes]

As always, the practical, dirty, coal-using, environment neglecting China is way ahead in practice than the Boston PhD theorists funded by billions of old US money.

This is a solved problem: you generate electricity via Solar and commute via electric bike, lowering kcal consumption and increasing average speed and range at the same time.

The problems are cultural and infrastructural - it needs a critical mass of cyclists to become safe to ride electric bikes in the US, otherwise you risk being run off the road by the majority of drivers who are distracted using their phone.

[sonthonax]

Phone use while driving needs to be cracked down on though draconian measures like roadside flogging.

[InitialLastName]

I'm almost convinced that if I see a driver looking at their phone while moving (the absolute lowest standard of "don't use your phone and drive"), I should be able to put my U-lock through their window. It's only fair to add to their cost enough to offset the extra risk they cause me.

[sonthonax]

If you enjoy occasionally bullying idiots who drive with their phones, do it. The police won't care, and there would not be enough evidence to prosecute you anyway if you obscure your face with.

The person in the car won't understand why you've done it, and will get all uppity and defensive, but will probably be jarred enough by the assault on his or her personal space to make stupid mistakes throughout the day.