I see this quote a lot, and it just reminds me of how little non-cyclists understand cyclists. On paper, yes, bicycling is a wonderful way to opt out of so many forms of consumption. In practice, most cyclists stimulate the shit out of the economy by constantly buying expensive bikes, new components, boutique tires, technical apparel, sports drink mix, etc. etc. Not to mention that most people who own and ride bikes also own and drive cars… Still though, I like the idea of the bicycle as an escape hatch from the grinding wheel of capitalist consumerism.
jrtts on
Only if the economics is the shoddy broken-window economics.
Now excuse me while I generate more jobs at car tire factories and autobody panel shops, all from the comfort of my bicycle /s
And let me pay my food tax and evade local business tax in peace, by randonneuring 200 miles at a time which is totally the average cyclist’s mileage per ride /s
BossBullfrog on
I laughed, but it is also sad.
Incredible that selfish people in cars are actually a target consumer group for some businesses.
Some people I don’t think should be allowed to operate a motor vehicle of any kind are allowed to get behind the wheel.
Narrow-Economist-795 on
Don’t most cyclists own cars, pay insurance, taxes, etc and buy consumer itens? In Sydney AU i suggest cyclists contribute more to the economy per person than non cyclists. Lots of doctors, lawyers, actuaries, business owners, ceos are cycling here.
4 Comments
I see this quote a lot, and it just reminds me of how little non-cyclists understand cyclists. On paper, yes, bicycling is a wonderful way to opt out of so many forms of consumption. In practice, most cyclists stimulate the shit out of the economy by constantly buying expensive bikes, new components, boutique tires, technical apparel, sports drink mix, etc. etc. Not to mention that most people who own and ride bikes also own and drive cars… Still though, I like the idea of the bicycle as an escape hatch from the grinding wheel of capitalist consumerism.
Only if the economics is the shoddy broken-window economics.
Now excuse me while I generate more jobs at car tire factories and autobody panel shops, all from the comfort of my bicycle /s
And let me pay my food tax and evade local business tax in peace, by randonneuring 200 miles at a time which is totally the average cyclist’s mileage per ride /s
I laughed, but it is also sad.
Incredible that selfish people in cars are actually a target consumer group for some businesses.
Some people I don’t think should be allowed to operate a motor vehicle of any kind are allowed to get behind the wheel.
Don’t most cyclists own cars, pay insurance, taxes, etc and buy consumer itens? In Sydney AU i suggest cyclists contribute more to the economy per person than non cyclists. Lots of doctors, lawyers, actuaries, business owners, ceos are cycling here.