Comments for Shek's Footprint

Comment on The Car Tax by Abhishek Mukherjee

Abhishek Mukherjee — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:49:27 +0000

I have a dog and I live by myself. Riding my bicycle to work (13 miles) and back would consume a total round-trip transit time of a little under 3 hours each day. That coupled with a 9 hour work day would mean that my dog does not get to go out to dispense bodily fluids for at least 12 hours. That is a lot to hold in and not good for her health. Some days, I have to stay back at work for a few extra hours too.

The motorcycle has a 25 minute transit time each way. It works in favor for her.

I have ridden from Riverside to Southside (Town Center area). It is a fun route and good riding for the most part.

I would like to see some funds diverted to building more urban bicycling trails that help everyday people to get to work and school. We (Bikejax) are working to achieve that. It is a slow progress.

Insurance is not required on a motorcycle in Florida. You have to carry some sort of a waiver. I did not look into it much. The insurance was so cheap and I am a beginner. It adds an additional peace of mind.

Comment on The Car Tax by Michiel

Michiel — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:57:21 +0000

Nice writeup.

What is outside bicycling range?

I’d love to see more safe bicycle lanes and paths through the city. These should be separated from the roads by at least a curb if the speed limit is over 25 or 35. All roads should have these, so that it actually becomes possible to get around in the city without motorized vehicle. It’s absurd that the Buckman and Fuller Warren bridges do not even have a cycling/walking part.

Bicycle routes that are completely away from motorized traffic would be even better. Not just for recreation, but for transportation. No need to remove railroad tracks. We might need those in the future. Why not take an 8 feet wide area along the railroad tracks to make bicycle routes? Can’t the city exercise some right of way to do that?

In my eyes, that would be a better purpose for the millions of dollars that will be spent on replacing the rotting wood on the south bank of the riverwalk with new wood that will soon be rotting again.

We’re out of oil, so gas prices will continue to rise. There will come a point where we can not continue to drive as much as we do now. It would be nice to have some infrastructure in place by then to accomodate the more sustainable lifestyle that high oil prices will eventually force on us anyway.

In Florida it’s inexpensive to have motorcycles. I don’t believe insurance is even required.

Comment on Motorcycle Musings by Kevin Love

Kevin Love — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 09:45:40 +0000

Did you consider an electric bicycle? Florida has no restriction upon electric bicycle power levels.

For example, I see from ebikes.ca that you can instal a Nine Continents motor onto your existing bike for only about $450.

Comment on Cars and Shek by tennessee amish communities

tennessee amish communities — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 01:46:14 +0000

Generally I do not post on a person’s blog, but I’d just like to mention that this article really compelled me to do so! Thank you for your perceptive post.

Comment on The Bike to Work Day 2009 by Abhishek Mukherjee

Abhishek Mukherjee — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:57:23 +0000

Mercedes Parker,
I have emailed you my contact details.

Comment on The Bike to Work Day 2009 by Mercedes Parker

Mercedes Parker — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:44:06 +0000

May I please have the name and a contact number of the person that wrote this story?

Comment on My Bicycles by » Minimize when you move minimalist life

» Minimize when you move minimalist life — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:59:52 +0000

[...] My furniture collection is fairly basic. I may downsize the TV stand since there is a nice built-in in the apartment I am finalizing. I entertain a few guests occasionally and need some furniture. As far as the bicycles go, they all have different uses: city bike, cargo bike, folding bike and an english roadster. OK, the english roadster is for pure fun. See pictures here: http://www.sheksfootprint.com/my-bicycles [...]

Comment on The Nail by » Minimalize when you move minimalist life

» Minimalize when you move minimalist life — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:55:57 +0000

[...] is time to move again. I am changing neighborhoods to a more walkable one. Read the rant here: http://www.sheksfootprint.com/archives/365. This time, I have eliminated the corner book shelf but added a folding dining table, four [...]

Comment on The Nail by David Hembrow

David Hembrow — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:07:39 +0000

Abhishek, I agree. The friction you identify is exactly the reason why most people don't cycle in countries like the USA and UK. I was amazed when I read the response above. What's is the point of criticising someone who has been honest enough to write up the reason why he finds something unattractive ? Abshishek tried cycling in these conditions while many people don't even get so far as trying. If conditions for cycling were so irresistable as they are in the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany etc. then you'd have the same rates as those countries.

Comment on Motorcycle Musings by Abhishek Mukherjee

Abhishek Mukherjee — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:58:00 +0000

I rode an older and abused Kawasaki Eliminator for almost 7 hours over the weekend at the Motorcycle Safety Foundation training class. Even with the obvious wear and tear, the little Kawasaki responded well to my commands. Not once did it stall on me. I am sold.