…at home:

…even during our commute:

With “social media” connecting us, there’s something missing. The real world. And real people.

You may not be able to change whether you need to work. But you can change how you get to work. Just changing a commute from four to two wheels makes a big difference.

Not only that, once you’re outside the box, you’ll find yourself running into real people again. Lot’s of them. Doing interesting things, going interesting places. And there’s always time to stop and talk.

You can use all social media you want, but it turns out, bicycles are a better way to actually connect.

But what would be really useful is a weather app that simply gave me the forecast in clothing.

Well, I’ve found that bike.

The bike is classic looking and rides like a Django Reinhardt song. Somehow I find myself dressing in 1920′s inspired outfits (well, more than usual) and speeding around the left bank of Boston daydreaming it is a little more like a certain other left bank:

The bicycle is so lovely it seems to have a bit of a traffic calming effect.

And sometimes that creates a bit of a problem for an artist. Like when my bike kept me company at my recent open studio.

But, still, I wouldn’t be all that sad if more people fell in love with bikes.

When I finally started biking, it was intimidating because I didn’t know “how” to do it…. just like all the other things I found intimidating.

But biking was one of those things I had to learn by doing.

Over time I learned how to adapt my lifestyle.

So if you are considering biking, you can’t change overnight. Break it down into small steps.

Especially if you spent $60-90K on your car with the promise of speed, agility, and driver engagement. And have this taunting you the whole traffic jam.

It’s so easy to be tempted to stop and eat everything. I’m personally keeping several restaurants in business that are on my route. But there’s danger in letting your stomach do the navigating. For example if some people figured out our weakness they may try to take advantage.

Then there’s plain old bait and switch.

And we haven’t even started barbecue season! If you’re cooking something good, don’t be surprised if I hop your fence. I should eat before I leave the house.

But it doesn’t take statistics to tell us women there is some serious untapped market potential out there.

But beyond simple market potential, we’re a force to be reckoned with. And I reckon there’s going to be some change coming.

Now, biking in Boston sometimes has the feeling of a biking in a small town. I’m always running into friends on the street. But in cold weather there are some social challenges.

And I may not even recognize my best friends unless they are willing to unbundle a bit. Not always pleasant this time of year.

So it got me wondering if there’s a better way.

Maybe not. I may not recognize my friends until spring, my apologies.