Can't We All Just Get Along?

Bikes for the Masses: An Experiment in Sustainable Transportation highlights a recent 5-day experiement in New York for renting and dropping bikes using much the same model as ZipCars uses in its business.

The irony is that while ZipCars is expanding and becomng more successful, the likelihood of a similar bike program has a "whole 'nother" set of challenges, many of which have no rhyme, reason, or rationale. People and, particularly, donut-eating cops have unreasonable prejudices against people on bikes. Could it be because the sight of a healthy, happy person on a bike reminds them of so much that's wrong with their own daily routines?

Personally, I think that if more people got out of their cars and those huge SUVs (since they're not even suited for going off-road, they're kind of the equivalent of a steer in a herd of cows) and got out on bikes, all kinds of wonderful things would happen. Less pollution, less anger, more health, more joy, more community, a higher quality of life in every way.

Now, what's wrong with that picture? Why are so many people fighting so hard against it? And, who are those people fighting against it?

I know this seems "off-topic" from the usual customer service fables, but when people are feeling energized, happier, healthier, we're all nicer to each other and, gee, isn't that the basis for the highest calibre of service to your fellow human beings?

A thought for the weekend:
"You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can't get them across, your
ideas won't get you anywhere." - Lee Iaccoca