May 15, 2008

Dear Community:

We live in challenging times, with scores of problems besetting our communities.

I won't try to catalog all of these issues here, but a few come to mind. We are increasingly isolated and disconnected from our neighbors. As a result, criminal activity such as methamphetamine use, finds a foothold.

The next generation of Americans suffer from an infatuation with the artificial world of electronic games and television, and have difficulty paying attention and focusing in school.

Our life expectancy is no longer increasing, largely due to health problems stemming from a sedentary lifestyle. Obesity among both the young and old is rampant. These medical issues will eventually cost our nation billions and could potentially cripple our health care system.

Our transportation infrastructure is increasingly inadequate, due both to the increased traffic congestion it must accommodate, and the physical effects of this overuse which are causing it to literally crumble away.

Our over-reliance on the automobile has had an unknown effect on our planet, potentially leaving our grandchildren a legacy of starvation and drought. And the immediate effect of the automobile is staggering - since its invention, more have died in crashes in America than all the wars we have ever participated in - from the Revolutionary War onward.

We are now in the position of sustaining a large number of troops overseas (the founding fathers warned us about this) in order to protect our critical supply lines of petroleum, which is generally obtained from folks who really don't like us very much.

There are many solutions to these problems, however, one stands out. It is probably in your garage right now, it is in all probability more effective than voting, and it is something you can actually DO at this very moment. Ride your bicycle.

The bicycle allows you to reconnect with your neighborhood, and see problems you might not have noticed otherwise. I you are suffering economic hardship, it can reduce your living expenses. It will improve your health, and combat obesity.

Your children will arrive at school more alert and better able to focus on their education, as well as having learned to interact with the real world. There's no question that the bicycle is pollution-free and does not contribute to climate change.

Traffic and parking congestion? At least half a dozen bikes will fit into the space occupied by one car! And with the price of gasoline steadily rising, riding a bike makes more sense than ever. As John F. Kennedy noted, "Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride."

Mayor Diane Joens of Cottonwood has joined hundreds of community leaders nationwide who have officially proclaimed May to be BIKE MONTH. May 12th to 16th is Bike-to-Work Week, and May 16th is Bike-to-Work Day.

Mayor Joens and Supervisor Chip Davis will ride together with many others on Friday, May 16th in an effort to inspire citizens to adopt a healthier lifestyle. More information is available at www.vvcc.us. I hope you will join us.

The weather's never been better. The time has never been more right.

As H.G. Wells said, "When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race."

Randy Victory

Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition