Bike commute for The Declaration of Independence

For most of my life I've identified myself as a conservative. As a conservative, I thought it was my duty to actively fight environmentalists, and ignore any data that supported their theories. Over time I have learned that I have a lot in common with environmentalists, but I am still a cynic when it comes to their data. In fact, I am a cynic of most data.

Over the last several years of seeing the political pageantry of our "two party" system, I moved from a conservative mindset to a libertarian mindset. I believe in very limited government, and the rights of individuals to keep the fruits of their labor, free from government control, and with our individual rights intact.

So I am always surprised when I come across people who see me bike commuting, and immediately believe I am a liberal trying to save the planet. I was also surprised to see a conservative write a guest blog about how to talk to a conservative about bicycling for the "Commute by Bike" blog, written by a conservative bike advocate. He makes some very good points, but I don't like the stereotyping of bike riders, especially not utility riders like me.

There are many types of bike riders, and many reasons to ride. I am a utility rider. When I ride, I am embodying "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness" as our founding fathers outlined in The Declaration of Independence. What can be more liberty-minded than riding a bike? I get around on my own power, using common property - the roads, save lots of money and resources, and at the same time pay less tax by not consuming gasoline, decreasing how much of my money goes to OPEC dictatorships.

Riding has had a significant impact on my life. I dropped 25 pounds, 60 cholesterol points, 90 triglyceride points, and high blood pressure. My bike commute is much happier than when I have to take the car, and with all the benefits, my happiness only increases. I'd argue that there are more libertarians riding bikes than most would believe.

During my bike commute, I am sometimes forced to deal with ignorant morons in cars (no, I haven't seen Rush Limbaugh behind me on the road, he lives in Florida, and advocates running cyclists over with an SUV). They get behind me and blast their horns, waving at me to get out of the road. I try to smile and wave, pretending they are my neighbor. This sometimes gets the driver more irate. I hold my lane, and they eventually pass, telling me I am number one by using their middle finger to wave at me.

Cars don't have a "right" to the road. Rights are conferred by our Creator, and can't be trampled on by government or other individuals. Driving is a privilege, not a right, and this is why we must get a license, and our driving privilege can be revoked. Our right to walk or ride a bike can't be taken away, unless we are incarcerated for a crime. I will argue that freedom of mobility is a right. I am free to go about my business or pursuit of happiness without this right being taken away. The car driver has a right to mobility, but their right ends where it impacts my right to safety and security while I am mobile.

So ride your bike to satisfy The Declaration of Independence. The more of us that ride, the safer it is for all of us.