Bikethink vs. carthink

[Greenbelt]

So here’s a theory that might be farfetched, but whatever.

Weekly shopping trip this morning, first to the farmer’s market and then the grocery store. Too much to buy for one trip if I took the bike. So, take the car and get it all in one trip, or take the bike and make two trips?

The bike, of course. It’s an easy decision, because two trips gives more bike time, and more time is better on a bike!

“Carthink” is all about trying to save car time: speeding, fighting traffic, trying to avoid jams, maximizing car productivity by getting as much done as possible in one trip.

“Bikethink” is different. Because bike riding is fun, and any extra time spent riding can be justified for the exercise, we look for excuses to ride more, not less! We’re looking for MORE time on the bike, not LESS time in the car. Two trips on a bike is, by definition, better than one. Twice the fun!

Similar to a conversation I had at work. I usually take a roundabout loop through Capitol Hill that adds a mile or two to my commute in order to avoid a couple bad rush hour intersections near Union Station. Colleague asked: “Doesn’t that take longer?” Answer: “Yes, and that is a good thing. Within reason, and as long as I’m moving (bikes hate being stationary), I’d much prefer a longer route if it’s more pleasant. More riding is better, not worse!” He shook his head, uncomprehending.

Congestion has socialized us to optimize NOT being stuck in the car any longer than necessary. Big source of stress and annoyance.

I like bikethink better. Since we spend a lot of time transporting ourselves places, better that it be fun.

Bike rack at the store today:
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Topic

[Riley Casey]

And then there is the corollary to the grocery shopping example of “bike think”. The thinking different about shopping bike think. My grocery trips are defined by my panniers. No buying more , bigger, heavier than can be carried in the pre-defined volume of the panniers and usually a weight limitation in conjunction with my computer backpack. Thus shopping is a nearly everyday stop made a part of my commute home. Somewhat 19th century, very Euro style ( at least French & Italian – the limits of my euro experience ) and much more enjoyable approach. Parking a car at a suburban shopping center is now just plain intolerable. Pulling up to the whole foods on P St on a bike 30 ft from the front door is miles ahead of disappearing into the exhaust infused underground parking lot even in the dead of winter.

[Arlingtonrider]

Does anyone know if the big box stores at Potomac Yards have bike parking? In the past, I’ve always taken my car to run my errands at the Target on Route 7/Leesburg Pike near Skyline. Riding a bike in that area is no fun. However, it occurred to me that I could enjoy a nice bike ride and run my errands at the same time by switching to the Target (and other stores) at Potomac Yards in Alexandria, which is only about 20 minutes away by bike trail. Does anyone else shop there by bike?

[txgoonie]

@Arlingtonrider 9009 wrote:

Does anyone know if the big box stores at Potomac Yards have bike parking? In the past, I’ve always taken my car to run my errands at the Target on Route 7/Leesburg Pike near Skyline. Riding a bike in that area is no fun. However, it occurred to me that I could enjoy a nice bike ride and run my errands at the same time by switching to the Target (and other stores) at Potomac Yards in Alexandria, which is only about 20 minutes away by bike trail. Does anyone else shop there by bike?

Yup, I do. There is a rack in front of Target to the left of the doors, and there are usually employees on break hanging out on the bench next to it, so I feel safe leaving the bike there;) There are also racks in front of Sports Authority as well as the movie theater.

[Arlingtonrider]

Terrific – thanks so much for that info!

[KLizotte]

I second txgoonie. There should be more bike parking given the size of the plaza but I’ve always found a space. It would be a great location for a CaBi station.

I read elsewhere that the shopping plaza will eventually be knocked down in order to make room for more (!) townhouses/apartments and that this was part of a long-term plan. Enjoy it while it lasts.

[Arlingtonrider]

Right before txgoonie replied, I sent a note to the property manager for Potomac Yards asking about bike parking. They’re hearing us. She replied that they have received several inquiries about this over the past few months.

” Due to the increased interest we bought 2 new racks to add to the others on property. We have one outside Sports Auth, Dress Barn, BestBuy/Petsmart, Target, Regal and Dunkin Donuts. We are planning to buy several more next year.”

Update: CaBi is coming to Potomac Yards too, and other places in Alexandria and Arlington. Check out Washcycle this morning.

[Arlingtonrider]

See update above.

[dasgeh]

There’s a CaBi station just north of Potomac Yards, at the end of S. Glebe Road (near the Harris Teeter, Massage Envy, etc).

[StopMeansStop]

Riley makes some good points about grocery shopping and how the bike defines what you buy. With one pannier and a bike rack, I can load a ton of grocerires on the Surly. The trick is to get paper bags and then pack them yourself.

[Joe Chapline]

@StopMeansStop 9069 wrote:

Riley makes some good points about grocery shopping and how the bike defines what you buy. With one pannier and a bike rack, I can load a ton of grocerires on the Surly. The trick is to get paper bags and then pack them yourself.

I bought reusable bags that keep their shape like paper bags and won’t fall apart if they get wet. And, you don’t have to depend on the store to not run out of paper bags.

[pfunkallstar]

Bike shopping definitely makes you focus on what you REALLY need. It has also made me move towards buying milk in 1/2 gallon increments since it is just way easier to balance out. I’ve done a couple of rides home with a six pack jammed in my backpack and that just blows.

[jrenaut]

My favorite was riding home from our CSA pickup with a watermelon, a cantaloupe, and a bunch of smaller stuff in my bag. 15th by Meridian Hill Park was AWESOME that day.

[Author]

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