A February thaw, or false spring, is quite common in Missouri. This is the land of volatile weather. If you don’t like the weather, just wait 30 minutes. We enjoy four seasons with a vengeance 
Today will be partly cloudy and breezy with temperatures reaching the 70s. It feels a lot like late March out there. So it’s not surprising that I saw several bicycle commuters this morning. It’s been rather lonely the past few weeks.
As I mentioned earlier, I’m going to be paying particular attention to who I see utility cycling and commuting in the coming weeks. I admittedly will be doing my initial rep0rting based on visual stereotypes. I think I’ve been seeing an increasing number of working poor using bicycles as basic transportation. If that is so, then it means something. I want to discover what it means.
The February thaw more than loosened winter’s grip. It has re-exposed a (an assumed) socio-economic situation that ought to be addressed. For example: If it is indeed true that more working poor are using bicycles as basic transportation, what services do they need to make that choice something more than a hardship (another assumption)?
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I used the term “false spring” today without knowing that it was a common phrase.
Great question about the socio-economic climate. Today is a great day for bike riders, many of whom ride out of financial necessity. Perhaps free bus fares for bike riders would be a possible solution? I know St. Johns and other larger employers around town have begun to offer $2 vouchers to their employees who cycle to work each day or week. This stipend, along with the savings in gas, can greatly benefit the worker.
Posted 10 Feb 2009 at 3:26 pm ¶Nathaniel… Perhaps you can help me with this reporting. Let’s talk.
Posted 10 Feb 2009 at 3:30 pm ¶Andy: Yes, let’s. Email me your thoughts.
Also, here’s another effect of the Febraury Thaw – Tornado touches down in OKC: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29125653/
Posted 10 Feb 2009 at 4:21 pm ¶