[generalenvelope]

I think the social ramifications of car dependence are overlooked. US loves its freedom but in many ways cars make people much less free by taking away their free time, money, social interaction, physical activity, etc. It's incredible how expensive car infrastructure is, which increases taxes to an often unsustainable level (and poorer people not living in the sprawl of single family homes end up subsidizing). Paving everything looks disgusting and is bad for the environment and economy. Not to mention minimum parking laws' contribution to the housing crisis, or the trauma caused by ~40,000 deaths per year due to cars (not to mention all the other injuries). It's not hard to see why this sort of lifestyle could damage your health.

I hope we can get more deep dives on this topic as you mentioned because there are millions of people that would use viable alternatives. These would carry over to QOL improvements for everyone else too.

[local_issues]

As the resident HN conservative, I wish the GOP would embrace bikes as a symbol of freedom. Cars are NOT tools of freedom - you are at the whim of gigacorporations and authoritarian governments like Iran.

With a bike, you move through the world, on extremely low cost infrastructure, while becoming a Fit Western Man and through Self Reliance. You don't need subsidies, you just need a bit of Strength and Forethought and all those other conservative goals.

[lm28469]

> I wish the GOP would embrace bikes as a symbol of freedom. Cars are NOT tools of freedom - you are at the whim of gigacorporations and authoritarian governments

What you have in the US isn't too far, two parties for the illusion of democracy and a butt load of lobbyists and oligarchs in the back making sure the money printing press keeps on printing for the right people. Conservatism isn't about conserving values or the environment, it's about conserving status and money

[thrill]

Maybe when bicycle dealers start delivering the gigabucks to politicians.

[local_issues]

Nice own bud