att DaisyNonna

[Answerprancer]

Hi DN, you reacted fairly vociferously to my "inner boy racer" thread and I was wondering if you wanted to discuss any further your promotion of non-polluting transport (bicycles).

[Answerprancer]

...I'll start the ball rolling.
I for one took and passed my driving test fairly late in life having discovered the delights of off road cycling in the late 80s. I have done a lot of cycling (on and off-road) and still do - sometimes for leisure, sometimes for necessity.

There came a time in my life where I really needed a car for work (transport of heavy equipment) and for long distance travel and this is why I now drive and cycle.
I love the countryside and have made many journeys by train or bicycle to my favourite destinations (the New Forest, Leith Hill, Dorset etc) without the use of a car.
These days, as I have grown older and less fit/patient, I have chosen to darken my carbon footprint by using a small sports car - it's based on a Ford Fiesta and as such its environmental impact is relatively low but it's also fairly fast and as I've never owned a "performance car" before and I'm quite enjoying it. Sometimes I use it to transport my Bike to Leith Hill, and I 'car share' as much as I can. I also give way to fellow cyclists because I know what it's like to cycle on roads populated by aggressive motorists often in the direst of weather conditions.

[Answerprancer]

Ignoring?

[DaisyNonna]

Sorry, did miss that.

[Answerprancer]

Ok, I eagerly await your response.

[DaisyNonna]

If I want to go anywhere I walk or use public transport. Too scared to use a bicycle. Probably jealous of your car. Apologies.

[Answerprancer]

Aw ! ..there I was thinking we were going to engage in an in-depth conversation about the ethics of non-polluting transport.
Cycling can be a scary business on today's roads, you just have to keep to the side then wait until both sides are clear before crossing if unsure. Walking or bus/train is good if it works for you.

[DaisyNonna]

Sorry to disappoint you. Rode a bike to school and back years ago. Slightly put off by the disgusting slurping mess in my saddle bag by a rice pudding from a domestic science lesson.
Drove a VW with Monza racing exhaust system for 3 years in South Africa.
Came home with 2 small children and frightened of Birmingham traffic.
Now rely on public transport.