Generally, yeah, you’re probably right. That said, a lot of times these things are directly controlled on a MUCH more local level than you might think. It’s well worth your while to start showing up to city council meetings and giving them what for; at worst, it’s a fun hobby that’s affordable and the cops can’t stop you from enjoying. If your experience is like mine, though, it’ll put you in contact with other like-minded individuals with whom you can network, organize, and push for change. It’s how I ended up on my city’s bicycle commission.
Going even further, a lot of times, local elections are pretty accessible and have much lower barriers to entry. If you have the time and gumption, you could run for local office for a pretty low cost, especially if you’ve spent some time networking with other local advocates.
I can ride my ebike 15 miles to work over gravel farm-to-market roads, I actually kind of like it when the weather is nice, but I do not expect there to ever be bicycle infrastructure in my area. I’m just going to get expensive gas and have to live with it.
Most humans do live in a city. I’m not talking down at you for not living in a city, it’s strictly a practical application of an observation.
It’s worth noting a few things:
Idk about elsewhere, but in the US, you still have local elected representatives at the county level. They have regular public meetings that you can go to and demand change, just like a city council. I’d guess other places have something similar.
Better cities and better public transit are good for you too. It means fewer cars sharing the road with you and better road conditions overall.
Other countries that have rural areas still manage to provide them with public transit. Our towns deserve better connections than they have- should be trains, but busses should be much more frequent and reliable.
You’re probably right, but I’m going to be damned if I don’t try. One day, sooner than I want to believe, my kids, and lots of others, will inherit the world I’ve helped to make.
Generally, yeah, you’re probably right. That said, a lot of times these things are directly controlled on a MUCH more local level than you might think. It’s well worth your while to start showing up to city council meetings and giving them what for; at worst, it’s a fun hobby that’s affordable and the cops can’t stop you from enjoying. If your experience is like mine, though, it’ll put you in contact with other like-minded individuals with whom you can network, organize, and push for change. It’s how I ended up on my city’s bicycle commission.
Going even further, a lot of times, local elections are pretty accessible and have much lower barriers to entry. If you have the time and gumption, you could run for local office for a pretty low cost, especially if you’ve spent some time networking with other local advocates.
Not all of us live in a city.
I can ride my ebike 15 miles to work over gravel farm-to-market roads, I actually kind of like it when the weather is nice, but I do not expect there to ever be bicycle infrastructure in my area. I’m just going to get expensive gas and have to live with it.
Most humans do live in a city. I’m not talking down at you for not living in a city, it’s strictly a practical application of an observation.
It’s worth noting a few things:
Idk about elsewhere, but in the US, you still have local elected representatives at the county level. They have regular public meetings that you can go to and demand change, just like a city council. I’d guess other places have something similar.
Better cities and better public transit are good for you too. It means fewer cars sharing the road with you and better road conditions overall.
Other countries that have rural areas still manage to provide them with public transit. Our towns deserve better connections than they have- should be trains, but busses should be much more frequent and reliable.
Nothing will ever get better. This is America.
You’re probably right, but I’m going to be damned if I don’t try. One day, sooner than I want to believe, my kids, and lots of others, will inherit the world I’ve helped to make.
A better world is possible.
But not with the United States.