This seems important — we’ve been talking for a long time about how “short trips” make up a LOT of traffic in cities & have BIG implications for pollution and GHG emissions. So it’s a big opportunity to convert them to walking or biking trips. But guess what — they’re ALSO REALLY BAD FOR YOUR CAR. - ThreadSky

brenttoderian.bsky.social • 13 days ago

This seems important — we’ve been talking for a long time about how “short trips” make up a LOT of traffic in cities & have BIG implications for pollution and GHG emissions. So it’s a big opportunity to convert them to walking or biking trips.

But guess what — they’re ALSO REALLY BAD FOR YOUR CAR.

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captainsidecar.bsky.social•13 days ago

Well, yes. And, to add to short trips, commuting on the 9-5 grind is *also* really hard on the machinery. I no longer have need to commute but, as a petrolhead of several decades, I wouldn't even consider doing it with any vehicle (car or motorcycle) that I actually liked.

agtmadcat.bsky.social•10 days ago

Depends very much on your commute! I've had a couple in my life that were very machinery-friendly, including one where I was before rush hour each way and 98% freeway. Only time I've ever consistently beat EPA mileage estimates for a car!

captainsidecar.bsky.social•10 days ago

Well, yeah. There are exceptions, but for most commute=stop-start in heavy traffic in a corrosive and abrasive atmosphere, which is horrible on the machinery. Add in the very high probability of at least minor scrapes and bingles and any vehicle used for it really needs to be regarded as expendable.

akohan.bsky.social•13 days ago

We need more of these:
“What is accelerating all the way to the stop light and why is it bad for your car”
“What is a close pass and why is it bad for your insurance rates”
“What is parking in a bike lane and why is it bad for your pocketbook?”

brenttoderian.bsky.social•13 days ago

Here’s the link: https://www.tiresplus.com/blog/driving/driving-short-distances/

il-kwang.theyellowlight.org•13 days ago

I know not every place can be like . . . most of the world with many grocery stores within a five-minute walk, but I could fit all the food in this picture in my bike bags.

Four bags are much cheaper than four wheels.

cycleoptic.bsky.social•13 days ago

Will local residents feel safe and happy cycling or walking on their streets if “outsider” martini motorists are still allowed to drive their large SUVs through the town anytime anywhere anyplace ?

dehall.bsky.social•13 days ago

I assume this is not a serious question - but...

We live near the inner city neighbourhood and if there are convenient crosswalks (walking) and protected bike lanes (riding), I can live with the "outsider" motorists. Without that infrastructure I don't feel safe. Happy is a bit of a high bar LOL

cycleoptic.bsky.social•13 days ago

The children I see cycling without the fear if motor vehicles look “happy” to me ;)

dehall.bsky.social•12 days ago

There is a reason children can’t vote or take out bank loans…. 😆

cycleoptic.bsky.social•12 days ago

many “children” will remember ( as will parents at the next election !)

dehall.bsky.social•12 days ago

I no longer have any idea what we are talking about 🙃 Have a good day

j-keenan.bsky.social•13 days ago

This news is rapidly getting outdated as it does not apply to EV so the biggest underlying issue to deal with is the use of cars for short journeys. This would make the world a far nicer place for pedestrians, cyclists AND crucially drivers.

rooseisma.bsky.social•13 days ago

We had the opposite problem. Turns out that "not enough trips" is also bad for your car. Car now scrapped, we rent when needed :)

camasonian.bsky.social•13 days ago

Bad for combustion cars for sure.

EVs are fine and actually at their most efficient traveling at slow speeds.

lallaren.bsky.social•13 days ago

If it was bad for the exterior it might make some difference, but as long it’s the thing under the hood and out of sight, who cares 🤷🏻‍♂️
Maybe if the exhaust was made in a shitty material and corroded fast with noise as result (like cars from 70s) it will matter…

timfennell.bsky.social•13 days ago

I could probably replace 95% of the day to day trips I take with our vehicle with a small EV.
Something like the Telo Truck which is about the size of a smart car.
https://www.telotrucks.com/

j-keenan.bsky.social•13 days ago

You could probably* replace them with an eCargo bike and reap all sorts of other rewards.

*requires good cycle infrastructure to unleash the full pent up potential

timfennell.bsky.social•13 days ago

I take your point but I have two big problems with cycling in Winnipeg. 1. Lack of dedicated bike routes/safety. 2. Bike theft. I've lost too many bikes to invest in an expensive bike.
Smaller issue but still valid... Winter conditions make cycling challenging for part of the year.

j-keenan.bsky.social•13 days ago

That was my point really. It takes investment into infrastructure to make cycling a realistic and tempting option for most people.
Crime is clearly also a barrier but will diminish as the number of people walking and cycling increases. Eyes on the street and social interaction make a difference.

timfennell.bsky.social•12 days ago

The existing barriers to cycling are low hanging fruit for our city for quality of life improvements and as a means of attracting people to Winnipeg. I don't view it as a cost, but rather, something we can't afford to ignore any longer.

dehall.bsky.social•13 days ago

Biggest downside of my new electric bike is I don't want to use it for short trips in my inner city neighbourhood for fear of it being stolen. Bike theft matters :-(

timfennell.bsky.social•13 days ago

Also something to note, I already use walking as an alternative mode pretty regularly.

finjareloaded.bsky.social•13 days ago

Am I the only one amazed at the assumption that people don't already know what a short trip is and need an explanation?!?
(tbf I haven't owned a car in 10yrs, so my entire life kinda consists of short trips)

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