Esquimalt's Transportation Evoloution

I admit to being somewhat disappointed after attending this event, albeit only briefly (the attendance that is, not the disappointment). While I applaud using fuel cell technology and alternative forms of power, what was drastically missing from this event was any form of PEOPLE power. Yes, there was a display of electric bikes, but isn't that actually just part of the problem? How hard is it to peddle a bike? I've been doing it since I was five. Now, I understand and agree with the argument that cycling is more difficult for some folks, and that the added benefit of electrical power enables them to cycle hills..but the vast majority of electric bikes that I have seen in Victoria don't fit this scenario. They are being driven down the Galloping Goose with their drivers either not peddling at all, or doing the very minimal. As for alternatively powered cars, this is a step forward, but I would argue a small step. A car is still a car. It still had to be made, and it still needs roads to drive on, and it needs parking lots in which to park. So again, it is a small step. Emissions may be less, but the infrastructure demands are not.

C'est la vie. I can be a tough nut sometimes.

Oh yes, what about the 8 kms I spoke of? I failed Car Free Friday by 8km last week (this week there will be Car Free Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday). My son went over to his cousin's house after the tall ship festival. It's only about 4km away, but 45 minutes by bus...how to get the 1 1/2 year old there and back was the difficulty. The road was too busy for a bike trailer and way too busy for walking with small children. I need to figure out the bus thing better. Or organize better. Enough excuses on my part.

Until next week, J