Pedal-Power For The People!
         Ken Russell didn't invent the concept of communal bicycles available for
         the use of anyone. However his YellowBike program in Kelso,
         Washington seems to be working better than in most other communities.
         Perhaps this is due to the citizens of Kelso, but more likely that it is being
         done right. Last summer forty uniquely-colored bikes were put on the
         streets in various locations. This summer, Ken wants to bring the total up                   to a hundred. The attrition rate has been about 10%, so far.

         How Does It Work?   The main consideration is to avoid having the bikes
         stolen and stripped. As most bike thieves are young men, step-through
         "girl's-bike" frames are used, exclusively, as that style is less desirable to
         male youth. Gear-shifters are removed, limiting them to one speed. Useful
         accessories, such as baskets are welded in place. The final touch is a coat
         of bright yellow auto paint covering everything, even the tires and seat.                       This combination of factors makes it unlikely that a YellowBike would be                   stolen for parts. Since the things are free for use by anyone, there is no                       reason to steal one just because one wants a bike to ride.

         A local bank has set up a special account to support the YellowBike
         program. This allows the citizens of Kelso to donate money at the same
         time as they are conducting other transactions. Donations aid in recovering
         and repairing damaged bikes. Our readers are encouraged to create local
         versions of this type of program.

         I love cars, for all the usual reasons, including some really kinky ones.
         However, I think it is good to have convenient, non-polluting free
         transportation close at hand. Unless it is done at top speed, driving is
         intrinsically less interesting than biking. How nice if one didn't have to
         worry about said transportation being stolen, due to its being free. Because
         of the faddish nature of its marketing, the bike industry causes a huge
         amount of waste when who-knows-how-many bikes in easily-fixable
         condition are trashed every year, simply becaused they need some repair,
         and aren't the current hot style. People who want to own an example of     
         the latest bike fad are perfectly welcome to own it. But, if one doesn't care                to be at the cutting-edge of fashion, and merely wishes to have the use of a
         convenient ride; how much nicer to just hop on a bike without having to
         worry about its security at the destination.

.