The people who founded the city of San Francisco must have been insane.

“Hey, where shall we start up a new city, then?”

“How about up here on these really steep, hard to build on hills? In an earthquake zone.”

“Hey, it’s really foggy up here too. Awesome idea. “

I guess the 21st Century equivalent of these nutters would be, erm, people who choose not to have a car in the city, and get around by bike instead.

Yes indeed, I’m apparently off my rocker.

But I’ve always enjoyed cycling – it’s a good way to get exercise whilst going somewhere (and infinitely more satisfying than using gym machines, which makes me feel like a pet hamster). In London it gave me a good deal of freedom, the only downside being the loss of 2 lights, a wheel, a saddle and 3 bike locks to thieves. I’m hoping (ever the optimist) that more security bolts and less thieving scum will render that less of a problem in SF.

And with the news this week that 90% of men in America will become fat, 25% of them obese, it seems like a wise plan to start incorporating more exercise into my day-to-day routine, way before I hit the full ravages of middle-age spread. So ultimately, those hills may be a benefit – I’ll be tiredbut slim.

The bike is an important part of my moving plans, because it will ultimately inform a lot of my day-to-day decisions. From small grocery shops (easier on a bike with paniers than on foot/public transport) to my commute alternatives, and where I end up living, the ability to get around on two self-powered wheels will be important.

And from what I gather, biking in San Francisco has enjoyed something of a boost over the past ten years or so, from dangerous pastime of social pariahs to a celebrated lifestyle choice. Like most things in this particular city…

…and it appears that there’s an active community of likeminded two-wheeled nutters out there. I look forward to joining them.

This article first arrived on the interwebnet on Thursday, October 6th, 2005 at 10:41 pm .
It's arbitrarily categorised as being about: More SF, Less US, Sustainability, Thinking.
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