Passion for Intermodal Transportation

By Gary J. Boulanger

June 2001 Spoke `N' Link (DCC newsletter)

Most people view bicycle advocates as Greenpeace-supporting, car-hating, tree-hugging liberals who use aggressive events like a Critical Mass ride or “One Less Car” campaign to champion their cause and grab the media’s attention.

I happen to disagree with all of the above, for several reasons.

Every bicycle fanatic in my world owns a car, or relies on some form of gasoline-powered transportation. Those with young children know what I mean. My closest friends in the bicycle industry, some of whom are prominent editors, marketing directors and product designers, own some pretty cool cars, motorcycles, and trucks. But they also own an impressive stable of old and new bicycles, and most rotate their mode of transportation between bikes, cars, scooters and buses daily.

Recently, Bike Miami Valley has partnered with the RTA and Miami Valley AAA to promote bicycles, not only because both organizations bleed intermodal transportation, they hold bicycles in the highest regard. RTA’s Jim Foster, avid self-contained touring cyclist and DCC member, swears by a healthy mix of auto, bus and bicycle in his life. Ditto yours truly.

I find it’s better for the bicycling community if we stop harping on cars and embrace intermodal transportation because reality beckons: everyone, in some way, shape or form, needs the private vehicle in their lives. Our goal is to change the way Dayton and the Miami Valley thinks about and views bicycling as transportation. If adults weigh bicycling, buses, and private transportation equally, then our job is done. Getting folks to change their private-vehicle-focused ways is somewhat of an uphill battle, but that’s why we’re here.

In fact, that’s why we’ve formed the Dayton Alternative Transportation Alliance (DATA) and the Bicycle Institute of Dayton (BID) to enable, educate, and empower Dayton businesses and schools with regards to safe bicycling, safe bikeways, proper gear and clothing alternatives, preventative maintenance, and proper bike fit. Image a day when bicycle commuting is not only accepted in the Miami Valley, but rewarded by employers! Congress is working toward a bicycle commuting tax structure for employers, so reality not only has been challenged, it’s been given an option.

Remember, if you’re reading this column today, you’re among several thousand Miami Valley bicycle advocates who need to make their voices heard. Share your passion with your city council: attend the monthly meeting. Share your passion with your employer: DATA and BID can help you educate your employer on the wonderful benefits of bicycle commuting. And lastly, share your passion with your friends: hopefully your passion is contagious, which will add to our devout group. Together we can influence change, especially if it’s good for our mind, body and soul.

My new favorite saying is “Driving a car promotes existence; riding a bicycling promotes living.” It came to me during a bike ride, of course.




Two Wheels, One Voice.