Free Bikes: A Hit in Paris, A Plan for Milwaukee
Ah, you know those French. Never a good idea, right?
Mais non! Turns out, in fact, that the free bike plan instituted recently in Paris is a smash.
So the more modest plan in Milwaukee proposed for 2009 might just be a hit, too.
Tres bien.
10 comments:
Tres tres bien. But Tom Held couldn't resist using it as another opportunity to take a swipe at rail.
Just a story: Phoenix tried a free bike program when I was there. The bikes were very basic, painted Suns purple (the unofficial city color), as were bike racks located around downtown. The idea was "need a ride, take a bike." The bikes were needed, and taken, and disappeared within two days of being put out. I just wish they would remove the bike racks, now repainted a more neutral Southwestern terra cotta.
And precisely how much snow - and sub-zero temperatures - do Paris, France and Phoenix, Arizona average yearly?
I do know the answer. And I'm still rolling on the floor laughing my Sidi riding shoes off that you think people in Milwaukee would take advantage of this program. The only thing most Milwaukeeans would take from this program would be the bikes... home to their garages.
Only a liberal could refer to a $ 940,000 program which places free bikes on the streets of a city that averages 64.8" of annual snowfall as a "modest" proposal.
Thanks for the laugh, though... that makes my day.
So, apparently temperate dissent is not welcome here. That's wacky.
Been on the road, so I'm a little late in posting some comments and doing other blog due diligence. Glad to provide this commenter with a good laugh. Maybe some bike riding in Milwaukee will also sooth his anxieties.
Actually, Bruce, this blog is very comment-friendly. I'm sorry if my schedule isn't organized around your needs. You are free to start your own blog so you don't rely on other people who are willing to put their names on their work to get your opinions out into the world.
You could also buy me a Blackberry, and that would facilitate my doing your bidding when you feel the urge.
Bruce is being obnoxious all over the cheddarsphere. It's not you, it's him.
All that anger...good thing we provide outlets for people like "Bruce."
Mr. Rowen,
You may remove my post suggesting that you were intentionally not posting my comment. I am sorry that I allowed my spite to get the best of me.
I've had a BlackBerry for about 8 months now, and I would actually suggest that you NOT get one, as they become somewhat of an addiction; the type of addiction that leads one to expect the same instantaneous response from others which you are able to offer yourself.
I take exception with the assertion that I am filled with anger. I am a political moderate who resides in Madison, I have for over 10 years now. I agree with much of your Great Lakes writing and commend you for your works. It was a misunderstanding that led me to believe that my comment was not welcomed here. I stand corrected, sir, and bid you peace. Thank you.
BTW, Mr. Rowen - and you don't have to post this - I put nearly 1000 miles on my bike between Madison and Milwaukee every summer. I love biking in Milwaukee! I have ridden from my home in rural Dane County, using the Drumlin and the new Aaron trails, many times. I find Milwaukee to be a very bike-friendly place. (Not as much as Madison, but c'mon... it's Madison.) I just happened to disagree with you that this program is the right match for Milwaukee. It's that simple.
I really didn't want a Blackberry. All apologizes and comments accepted.
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