‘I Was A Teenage Cyclist,’ or How Anti-Bike-Lane Arguments Echo the Tea Party

All of which is to note: The discussion over cycling policy in New York has now taken on the tone (on both sides, sadly) of our culture wars: passion first, reason later (or, in most cases, never).

I encourage you to read this article, which also contains this gem:

Or, if this all seems too strenuous or, you know, long-winded, you can simply reduce your argument to its four essential words: “I have been inconvenienced.”

Thought, empathy and selflessness are severely lacking in American culture—as is empiricism. Even occasional cycling makes one a more careful driver. Streets aren’t the sole property of cars. Current political battles and rhetoric stems from a certain stubbornness of view—a refusal to accept another’s way of life as anything but inferior or a threat. The Golden Rule still rings true, people.