Life is a struggle against entropy
Chambers Dictionary:
energy diminishes in a closed system.
This isn't going to be a moan about my lethargic couldn't-care-less-ness. I can't be fagged. Of greater import is that suddenly the world is panicking about rising oil prices. Rising prices affect us all, but isn't the fact that supply isn't capable of meeting demand the real problem? And the answer surely is to reduce demand.
Start with the car culture. Here in Jakarta, the 3-in-1 policy should be day-long with a congestion charge. More busways, monorails and suburban trains are needed. At the same time, inefficiencies of fuel consumption need to be eradicated. In the
Jakarta Post today is an article, unfortunately not online, which reports that
"more than 60% of diesel-fueled private vehicles and 36.2% of gasoline-fueled ones in Greater Jakarta do not meet emission standards."
I'm sure that if the air were cleaner less folks would wish to invest in an air-conditioned box on wheels with which to stare at everyone else stuck in the traffic jams. It would also be more pleasant to use our own power to get around, but for that roads need to be maintained with the needs of the users in mind rather than the profit margins of the contractors. I regularly moan about the condition of the pedestrian areas, but moaning is too easy.
Here's a bit of positive thinking.
1. Jakarta should have a cohesive, rather than piecemeal, Transport Plan. This is a link to the
London Plan
2. Think
Pedal Power.
This can be hazardous, but generally because of other road users.
It can also be a
lifestyle choice.
3.
Mass bike-ins are a global movement.
4. Get in the swing of things and
ride naked on June 12th.
I admit that, although I used to bike around London some 30 years ago, I gave it up after it contributed to a slipped disc. But, as they say, you never forget how to.
And I'll close with a sad story. A fellow expat here is married to an Indonesian lass who he met whilst cycling from Australia to the UK in the late 80's. It was a trusty steed which he then used as a cycle messenger in London whilst saving up to return here. One day it was stolen.
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