“When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race.”  –H.G. Wells

[Thanks again, boingboing!]

The most vital element for the future of our cities is that the bicycle is an instrument of experiential understanding.

…

The bicycle doesn’t need to be sold. It’s economical, it’s fun, it’s sexy, and just about everyone already has one hiding somewhere in their garage.

Invite a motorist for a bike ride through your city and you’ll be cycling with an urbanist by the end of the day. Even the most eloquent of lectures about livable cities and sustainable design can’t compete with the experience from atop a bicycle saddle.

“These cars are going way too fast,” they may mutter beneath their breath.

“How are we supposed to get across the highway?”

“Wow, look at that cathedral! I didn’t know that was there.”

“I didn’t realize there were so many vacant lots in this part of town.”

“Hey, let’s stop at this cafe for a drink.”

Suddenly livability isn’t an abstract concept, it’s an experience. Human scale, connectivity, land use efficiency, urban fabric, complete streets… all the codewords, catchphrases, and academic jargon can be tossed out the window because now they are one synthesized moment of appreciation. Bicycles matter because they are a catalyst of understanding – become hooked on the thrill of cycling, and everything else follows. Now a new freeway isn’t a convenience but an impediment. Mixed-use development isn’t a threat to privacy but an opportunity for community. And maybe, just maybe, car-free living will eventually be seen not as restrictive, but as a door to newfound freedom.

[sustainablecitiescollective via boingboing]

One BoingBoing commenter made a good point that time is money, but if he’s commuting 30 miles each way he’s probably not the target of these markings.  He also ignores many of the more substantial costs of both modes, including ownership, parking/storage, maintenance, etc.

[Once again, BoingBoing, ftw]

http://vimeo.com/13867453

[Thanks, Don Shoup!]

[Thanks, Nurit!]

Now they just need them on Metro escalators, but with tourists on the right…

I don’t actually think these lines should ever be built (quite to the contrary), but from a graphic design perspective, there’s something that really gets me about Beck-esque transit diagrams.  Also, this map just made me want to say Chassamusetts, which I feel should be more common than it is.  At writing, “Chassamusetts” had only 7 hits on google (9 if you include “entries very similar to the 7 already displayed”).  Maybe I can be the top listed site for Chassamusetts!  Fingers crossed.  That’s Chassamusetts.

(Image: cropped thumbnail from a larger image by Focus/Otto/Rex)

I may or may not have learned about this from a comic strip.

Maybe it’s just because I entertain fantasies of biking around Denmark on an impractically attractive Cinelli, but I want a “Wheel” for my bike.  Great idea, MIT; let me know when I can test one.