Guy LeCharles Gonzalez (MOVED)

Ever since I started listening to the @TheWarOnCars podcast, I've become hyper-aware of how ridiculous it is that we have to "trust" each other to drive these big machines responsibly, especially on the highway. Sitting on a highway shoulder with a flat, quarter mile from an exit, watching multiple cars come close enough to shake my car as they debate using the shoulder to pass only heightens the ridiculousness... 😬

Maybe cars were a mistake?

#BanCars #DriveResponsibly

Feb 15, 2023 at 5:18pmWeb
Show threaddr2chaseFeb 15, 2023
@glecharles @TheWarOnCars
Versus, stopped on a bike path, people will often enough call out to ask if you need a hand. I've repaired other people's bikes on the road -- rejoined a chain, helped with flats, reattached a pedal that fell off. Last time I had car trouble (dead battery) I stood in front of my car with the hood up conspicuously holding a pair of jumper cables, and they all drove past for a good long time.
Show threadJosephine RoperFeb 15, 2023
@glecharles @TheWarOnCars they were, but... it's also impressive how much we do trust each other with the difficult and dangerous task of driving, yet don't with some of the changes we may need to make the most of other systems (trust each other to take pets on public transport, trust each other to ride e-scooters on the footpath...). More 'motornormativity' I guess.
Show threadGuy LeCharles Gonzalez (MOVED)Feb 16, 2023
@jroper @TheWarOnCars 💯 That motonormativity episode really got to me, how much we take for granted living in a world that was designed for cars. And I'm generally a fan of cars, but it's hard to unsee how bad they are once you start looking at things differently.
Show threadGuy LeCharles Gonzalez (MOVED)Feb 16, 2023
@jroper @TheWarOnCars Although, I do think the lack of trust to change is more about not believing the systems designed to prioritize cars can be changed. I've found that's the barrier for a lot of people, like me, who otherwise think fewer cars and less reliance on them is a good thing.
Show threadRalph058 (S/he/it) AF4EZFeb 16, 2023
@glecharles @TheWarOnCars I drove in Chicago to the AutoShow. I became convinced I will never drive in to the city again. I will take Metra from Waukegan, a 56 bus to Millennium Station and Metra Electric to McCormick place the next time. If my timing fits, I will take it from Antioch to Union Station and 121 bus to Metra Electric.
Show threadRalph058 (S/he/it) AF4EZFeb 16, 2023
@glecharles @TheWarOnCars BTW I'm waiting for at least Level 4 before I buy a new car.