Letter to the Editor – June, 2001

Bicycles and buses can change the world. A bold statement, sure, but it's true. Thanks in part to the current energy crisis, we're seeing the number of bicycle and bus commuters increase in the Miami Valley. Hopefully, this will set an example for others to consider alternate means, or intermodal transportation, as my friend Jim Foster of the Miami Valley RTA professes. Proper preparation, a different mindset, and a willingness to break the mold of personal vehicle use will make it easy for you to try intermodal transportation.

This doesn’t suggest selling your car (although I did two weeks ago), but accepting a healthy mix of choices when traveling to work, the grocery store, church, or anywhere else you’d normally drive. Bicycling is less stressful, takes less time to get to work for most, saves you money in gas, insurance, parking and maintenance, and allows you to arrive at work refreshed and full of energy.

If your employer doesn’t have a bicycle commuter friendly program, look into ways to create one. Click on www.oki.org or www.bikemiamivalley.org for more information. You’ll be amazed at the results.

Gary Boulanger, executive director

Bike Miami Valley

Copyright 1995-2001. The Cincinnati Enquirer, a Gannett Co. Inc. newspaper.