This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I'm thrilled to see Salt Lake City's new GREENbike bicycle sharing program, which provides short-term rentals of downtown bikes ("Salt Lake City launches GREENbike bicycle sharing," Tribune, April 9), and Salt Lake County's new Bicycle Ambassadors program, uniformed volunteer bicyclists promoting safety and public awareness ("Salt Lake County 'ambassadors' to promote safe cycling," Tribune, April 30).
Bikes are the obvious choice for Utah's future, and promoting their use is a solution for many problems:
• Obesity: Riding even for a short while has vast health benefits as compared to sitting stationary in your car. This helps keep health care costs low.
• Cost: AAA says it costs $9,122 to drive a sedan and $11,599 for an SUV. Biking helps prevent the consumer debt families struggle with.
• Air quality: Bikes get infinite miles per gallon. Compared to bikes, even hybrid vehicles look like shmucks.
• Other biking benefits: You always get to park close to your destination. It relieves stress. It helps your immune system so you don't get sick as much. And let's face it — they're fun as hell to ride.
Nick Rothacher
Salt Lake City