...when it is two bikes! The reputation of Davis as the bike-friendly capital of the USA is well known. It is a reputation that is thoroughly deserved, and it obviously was a huge factor in enabling Davis to become the new host for the Bicycle Hall of Fame. Some estimates put the proportion of all journeys that are made on a bike in Davis as high as 20-25%.
However, it turns out that these impressive statistics are based on some slightly dubious accounting methods. It has been revealed to me this week that when the city of Davis calculates these figures they are counting the tow-along bike buggies (for toddlers) and bike trainers (the 'extension' part on the back of the bike) as a separate bicycle. I.e. two bikes not one. Occasionally I've seen a bike buggy attached on to the back of a bike trainer, so I guess that would count as three separate bicycles.
Now this seems completely unfair (and unnecessary to me). It's a bit like saying that a four carriage train is actually four separate trains. I'm sure Davis would be top of the bike-commuting charts without this strange need for double-counting. Come on Davis, let's be a it fairer about this. Remember, one bike good, two bikes bad.
This made me laugh. :)
Posted by: Corrie | June 04, 2009 at 04:36 AM