ext_97971 ([identity profile] enders-shadow.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] talkpolitics2010-04-26 09:34 pm
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Rise of the Pedaltarian

The bicycle is superior to the motor-car. Healthier for people and the environment.

We should invest in bicycle culture.

Human power should be a major source of renewable energy that we look into.

all it is like a big big lie.

[identity profile] zebra24.livejournal.com 2010-04-27 01:45 am (UTC)(link)
"Invest" means profit. If so then just leave it as is - mankind will find this profit and make it for you.

Otherwise you just trying to push other "green" project for taxpayers money.

Human power IS less effective than Horse and even less effective than engine's power.
Both in terms of speed AND price AND quality.

(try to hire anybody to drive you on his legs into the town 20 miles from you).

Then try to use Taxi or your own car.

Actually, no.

[identity profile] squidb0i.livejournal.com 2010-04-27 04:29 am (UTC)(link)
If you're talking about a direct one to one ratio of work vs time, absolutely, the car wins hands down every time.

But if you actually look at total energy input that goes into mining the metal and other materials to make the factory to make the parts that make the car to burn the fuel found at great expense pulled out of the ground defended by the worlds largest military budget, refined, and shipped to where the car is... bicycle wins.

Re: all it is like a big big lie.

[identity profile] adrunkencadence.livejournal.com 2010-04-27 05:46 am (UTC)(link)
Specifically, the bicycle is the most efficient man made machine.

Efficiency based on fuel input alone (food vs. biofuel): http://odograph.com/?p=337

Auto vs. Bicycle costs: http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/advocacy/autocost.htm With graphs!

Photographic evidence: Space required to move same amount of people via car, bus, and bike. http://www.woosk.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/green.jpg

Greenhouse gas emissions: http://www.vote4cycling.com.au/cms/uploads/benefits/benefits_graph2.gif