This column is imaginary correspondence between Byron the Bicyclist and Maddy the Motorist
Dear Byron;
One of the great debates these days is about electric vehicles. Many people think they will be the solution to pollution, climate change and an end to fossil fuel reliance. Others trash talk electric vehicles showing (staged?) videos of electric vehicles in the side of the highway being charged with gasoline generators. What will we do with the batteries? How will we get enough critical minerals?
What is your opinion, Byron?
Signed; Maddy the Motorist
Dear Maddy;
In too many debates, we prefer simple answers to complex questions. But life isn’t that simple.
In 1984, I was travelling in east Africa by train, truck, rides and walking. While sitting in transit and not driving, I often read books. In Douglas Adam’s Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, they ask a question of the intergalactic supercomputer: “What is the answer to the Question of Life, the Universe and Everything?”
It isn’t until the next book in the answer comes back: 42.
Somewhat surprised, they ask the computer what the question was. “I forgot” was the answer.
Us humans also forget what it was we are trying to solve when it comes to how to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and our impact on the environment. The choice between two kinds of cars still leaves us needing expensive infrastructure which also damages the planet and ignores even better choices.
I biked to work 1.8 km one-way. Usually, a neighbour passed me in a car. I took a short cut and got ahead. Just short of her workplace on Fourth Avenue she passed me. Total distance for her was about 1.5 kilometres.
She got a nice cushy ride. I got exercise, fresh air and saved money. My heart, lungs and muscles are in probably in better shape too. I felt awake arriving at work without a coffee.
For short to medium distances, biking or walking is the better choice. If transit isn’t available, a car is suitable for longer distances.
Signed Byron the Bicyclist
Bert Groenenberg is a pedestrian, cyclist, motorist. He was an occasional hitchhiker in Africa.
