May 2012
Biking for the Environment
Bike to Work and School Day
by Peter Gunn
Peter Gunn is a native New Yorker and has lived in Bellingham since 1996.
On a Friday in the middle of May, Bellingham pays its annual homage to the benefits of alternative transportation. That’s right; it’s “Bike to Work or School Day.” On May 18th our populace is treated to vistas of neoprene rivulets of two wheelers powered by sprockets of Kumbaya. Cyclists basking in the fuel-free moment. Customary high fives at various nourishment stations throughout our town. Pausing to partake of the intake that’s needed for the journey. Bottled water, fruits, energy bars and power drinks are the rewards for the trek. Under a canopy at the corner of Holly and Railroad: “Where’d you ride in from?” “Fairhaven!” “Here’s an orange.” “And you sir?” “Cordata!” “Have a bagel.” “What about you, Miss?” “Blaine!!!” “Lady, the table is all yours!”
For one day, the ‘ham has a Hemmingwayesque aura about it. It’s like Pamplona in “The Sun Also Rises.” But in this version the Hummers are substituted for toros. After being let loose off Interstate 5, these four-wheeled vehicular bovines are herded onto Lakeway, then down Holly where the cyclists join in to taunt and mock the three-plus tons of American hubris that blot out the horizon. In addition, the traditional white outfits and red bandanas of San Fermin give way to the Whatcom practicality of spandex and necessity of helmets and, in a nod to secular humanism, the wine reverts back to water. Now on a perfect Green Planet, the Hummers would be siphoned off, not to the plaza de toros, but to the field across from Barkley Village, site of the future Oedipus Cineplex, or maybe the parking lot next to Billy McHale’s, on the Guide, at which time they would be demotored and converted into a member of the Prius Family with Father Ed Begley Jr. performing the last rites.
I have no idea how many Hamsters actually leave their cars at home on this day. I’m guessing for a fraction of those participants this is a once-a-year feel good about my contribution to the planet, I recycle, Gestalt Syndrome. But with the fuel bar, as determined by the faceless cadre of petrosexuals approaching the five-dollar-a-gallon mark, I’ll go out on a short limb and say the numbers are higher than they were in 2011. In fact, the reality of this occasion is to promote and bring awareness to alternative transportation, not just those of the two-wheel version. WTA, car-pooling and walking are also recognized.
With regards to myself, I can state that I am car-free. I live adjacent to one of the consonants in the Lettered Streets and I am employed in the downtown area. My commute is exactly one mile and my options are numerous: I am able to bike, take a bus, or get a lift from a friend. If these options are off the table, I can always walk. If not, I can run. Hell, I can trot, canter or gallop. I can stride, strut or mosey. I can even sashay, but that’ll cost you. Ultimately the vast majority of my local travels are dependent on the bicycle. Shopping, work, visiting friends, exercise, running errands are all accomplished via this mode. I love my bike. I’m a pedalphile. There. I said it. It’s called a pun. Get off your PC horse. No, wait; it’s a horse. Stay on it and ride it on the 18th.
As I have stated, those options of alternative transportation for me do not go into hibernation on the 19th of May. With no auto in my biography, my two-wheel world revolves on a twenty-four seven, three-six-five axis. But, thanks to Sadie Hawkins, I have an extra leap day to juggle with this year. So on May 18th 2012, in deference to those one-day wonders, I will rent a Winnebago and make my two-mile commute in a lap of conspicuous consumption. Flaunting austerity, I will drive down Dupont St., cross the Wilson Pickett Bridge, then morphing into Prospect, I will make my way to Railroad and Holly, all the while obeying the speed limit and coasting whenever possible in a valiant stab to promote fuel economy. Happy Motoring Hamsters! Now where’s that bagel?
