Or we could just stay home.

[Chip Haynes]

There's a reason the safety bicycle, when it was first introduced around 1885, sold like cheap hotcakes: It replaced the horse for a fraction of the initial cost, you didn't have to feed it every day and it smelled better.

I predict the time will come when both cars and horses are once again simply rich people's toys.

And bicycles will be a lot more popular.

 

[cygnus]

I'm investing in good walking shoes and bicycle stuffs.  I don't expect I'll have money to buy and feed a horse nor enough for a place to keep it.  We certainly couldn't keep one in our yard!  Now, we probably *could* fit in a few little nigerian dwarf milk goats....  but not a horse.   

And to answer MW, yes, we're putting our money and our efforts where our mouth is.  We all work and go to school within easy walking distance of the house - by choice.  Everyone in the family has a bicycle, gear, tools, replacement parts (although I plan to get more) and extras like baskets and such.  And, we all ride often enough that we could get around without killing ourselves if needed.  I rode or walked to work and back most of the summer and fall.  We're driving now, but that's because it's been in the teens off and on in the mornings lately. 

[Chip Haynes]

I'm proud of ya, Cygnus!

May all of your favorite stores be close and have bike racks!

 

[Phildo]

"You guys are forgetting horses and oxen."

If ever I had the overwhelming urge to swear on the internet (and I don't), it would be here. Now.

*&^%^%$$#@!!!!!!!!

The truth of the matter is that I am, in fact, remembering horses and oxen, and let me tell you right now: You do NOT want to use them as daily transportation in leiu of oil and gas. Those animals are huge and not the least bit potty trained. They pee and poo by the gallon, any time they feel like it. If you use them on the public right-of-way, who's going to clean up that mess? Not me- and most likely not you, either. Just one is a health hazard. If you have more than one, the local roads become an unsanitary, unsightly health danger rather quickly. Do not, and I'm begging here, think it's a good idea to use incontinent livestock in place of cars, buses, trains and bicycles. Read some detailed accounts of life in New York City- on the streets- around the year 1900. It was hideous. So do us a favor and don't.

They're a dumber idea than Segways- and that's going a distance.

Whew.

Ok, I feel better now.

 

Peak Horse Shit.   

http://www.uctc.net/access/30/Access%2030%20-%2002%20-%20Horse%20Power.pdf

[Chip Haynes]

Thank you, Phildo- that's EXACTLY the link I want every horse lover to read. Anyone that thinks horses (and oxen) can replace cars and trucks needs to understand why they can't- and shouldn't.

[nicekitty]

"You guys are forgetting horses and oxen."

If ever I had the overwhelming urge to swear on the internet (and I don't), it would be here. Now.

*&^%^%$$#@!!!!!!!!

The truth of the matter is that I am, in fact, remembering horses and oxen, and let me tell you right now: You do NOT want to use them as daily transportation in leiu of oil and gas. Those animals are huge and not the least bit potty trained. They pee and poo by the gallon, any time they feel like it. If you use them on the public right-of-way, who's going to clean up that mess? Not me- and most likely not you, either. Just one is a health hazard. If you have more than one, the local roads become an unsanitary, unsightly health danger rather quickly. Do not, and I'm begging here, think it's a good idea to use incontinent livestock in place of cars, buses, trains and bicycles. Read some detailed accounts of life in New York City- on the streets- around the year 1900. It was hideous. So do us a favor and don't.

They're a dumber idea than Segways- and that's going a distance.

Whew.

Ok, I feel better now.

 

I wasn't necessarily suggesting them for daily commuting for people.  But how, exactly, are you going to move food and goods from the rail stations to the people?  Or from the farms to the rail stations, for that matter?  I'm sure your bike is amazing, but how much weight can you truly haul with it? 

[Chip Haynes]

Ok, I'll give you that one: For some limited use, say, from the farm to the railhead, wagons and oxen will work to some degree. And if you live way out in the country, you might be able to ride your horse to the nearest village every so often.

But the last thing we need are 10,000 horses in town every day.

[GetGoing]

Gosh, what an interesting thread.  Being retired (going on 5 years now) I often remain stationary and don't even leave the property for days at a time.  I live on a very tranquil 5 acres in rural VA, South of Charlottesville.  I stay home a total of 10-15 days a month and enjoy not having to drive somewhere even if it's local.   I bought a motor scooter last year due to the high cost of gasoline.  It's a Yamaha C-3  and gets over 110mpg and can go a bit over 40mph.  Great fun and helps keep the fuel bill down.  I consider it recreational type transportation and can ride for miles on end without encountering cars/trucks.  So, when the bough breaks, I'll at least be able to scoot around until the roads crumble or I can no longer get fuel!

Getgoing

[Chip Haynes]

You bought a C-3? Very good choice! I like the retro-Cushman style of that scoot, and Yamaha does make a good machine. It should last a very long time. (Longer than the gas needed to run it? maybe.)

Happy scootin', Getgoing!

 

[GetGoing]

Thanks Chip.  I also like the retro look and many locals have commented on its style.  It's white in  color for better visability on the road.  I've got nearly 4200 miles on it since May of 2008.  It's very easy to maintain - I change the oil myself and plan on a general mainteance checkup by the dealer next Spring.There are many scooter riders in the region I live in which prompted me to look into getting a scooter in the first place.  Of course the high price of gas last year was another factor.  If gas does become hard to obtain, then I could always drain the fuel from my lawn tractor (holds 5 gallons) and vechicles to at least have some form of motorized transportation.  Of course I could always press my 1979 Raleigh Super Gran Prix 10-speed bike into service!  I replaced the original tires with a brand called armadillo so they should hold up well.

Getgoing

[Chip Haynes]

Between the C-3 and your Raleigh, you are far ahead of 99% of the population when it comes to alternative transportation options.

Keep them both in good condition!