I have no doubt somebody has already thought of this because it's a pretty simple idea. Just a thought, so here goes.. Bike paths as a side extension to roads. Some places are already doing it in the cities and apparently is working well. Takes a lot of pressure off of our oil and energy problems, reduces pollution to keep the $green$ people happy, and, let's face it.. American obesity. Indirectly, this also helps a lot of issues right down to the individual psychology of Americans, exercise not only lifts your mood, but makes you smarter (that is a fact), which in turn, may strengthen our economy. It's 3 big fat birds with one sharp, slick stone.. and while I may low-government, tax-hating libertarian, if there's no changing the status of our government we might as well begin urging to spend our money on things useful. What say you?
Bike Paths are great if you live a mile or two away from work, more people live 10+ plus miles from work.
Bike paths as a side extension to roads would help reduce fuel cost in the long run. What would be the impact on fuel with the building of bike paths. The solution to the energy crisis is complex. Alternative fuel research and drilling is part of the solution. We need to expand the production of solar panels which would reduce the cost to a level that an average family could afford the green power.
Bike Paths are a very good idea. They'd surely save a lot of fuel. But what about the south, places like California, where distances are extremely large? People have little spare time these days...
Making bike paths is the easy part. The difficult part is to convince people to use them. ======================== Gasoline prices in India are higher than in the US. There is more pollution and good healthcare is a luxury that few can afford. and yet every Indian dreams of taking his ride to the next level. those with cycles want two wheelers.. those with two wheelers want cars... those with cars want bigger cars.. India needs to shift to bicycles much more than the US... and still I don't see it happening here. and I don't think it will happen in US any time soon... Image Source.
1. Never surrender. 2. Obesity and driving inefficient vehicles long distances goes hand in hand. There is too much cheap prosperity, purchased with the printing of money. If Americans had to compete like the Chinese do, there would be a lot more people on bikes, and a lot less obese people.
Sorry, but India needs to learn to have some driving courtesies and rules. That would help the mess a lot. Funny how much time is saved when streets have a system.
The city I live in has bike lanes. They are nice to have, but certainly no real solution to the problem. There is no way I could get to work and back or to business related events using bike lanes, nor could I take my son and wife places we need to go. While I think they are good and should be added where possible, it is not a solution to the energy or climate issues facing America.