Bikes have been known as 'Freedom Machines'. Here are some freedoms I get and don't get on two wheels.
Cycling gives me freedom from...
...paying for a car, petrol, VED, MOTs, repairs. Sure, my bike costs me, but it's trivial by comparison.
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| No need to go here. Image from Image Money on Flickr |
...relying on buses, their erratic timetables and paying their fares.
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| Don't need to wait on one of these, nor go where it goes. Image from Les Chatfield on Flickr |
...trying to find a parking space or paying for parking.
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| Image from Tim Regan on Flickr |
...contributing to air pollution when travelling around town.
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| Image from eutrophication&hypoxia on Flickr |
Unfortunately, cycling doesn't give me freedom from...
fear.
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| This kind of overtake, and far worse, are all too common. Image from Klaas Brumann on CycleStreets |
knowing my family genuinely worry about my safety.
No picture for this one. I worry that they worry.
verbal abuse and intimidation.
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| Direct quote from one of the Paisley's less polite motorists |
P.S.
In Scotland? Come to Pedal on Parliament.
In Renfrewshire? I'm in the process of starting up a 'Renfrewshire Cycling Campaign'. More on Facebook.
Follow me on Twitter: @justacwab
