Just an update
Nothing new to add to Alabama's laws; however, we do have a seat in the House Legislature that has opened up and I have made up my mind on who I would like to see fill the position. Phil Williams was quick to respond to e-mail despite being in the middle of a special election. If I get his permission, I would like to copy his response.
Here is a copy of my e-mail to him:
While in office, one of the things I hope you could change is the State's stance on obesity, fuel conservation, and cheap transport for the citizens of Alabama. One of the things that stands in the way of all of the above is Alabama's laws concerning motor assisted bicycles which defines any modification to a bicycle such that it is powered by something other than human power to be a motorcycle and thereby subject to all the laws of a motorcycle (turn signals, obtaining a VIN, DOT approved tires, license, etc). As the laws in other States can testify, there is a great difference between motorcycles and motor assisted bicycles which limit the power output on the assist engine and enforce maximum speed limits.
As you may be aware, one of the largest burdens being placed on our governments is healthcare, and the greatest concern for healthcare is that of obesity. There are studies which show that active exercise even stunts the degredation of alzheimer's and other bodily diseases. Face it God did not design us to be sloths, but to work with our bodies. The majority of individuals own at least one air conditioned vehicle and drive it to or from work every day. A rare few individuals share the same streets as cars, semi-trucks, SUVs, etc. on bicycles. They do it for a few reasons, one is to "stay" in shape, secondly it's to save on gas (when prices hit around $4 per gallon, the interest in cycling greatly increased). When I choose to begin riding my bike 7 miles into work it was to get in shape and reap the benefits of using the money I would normally spend on gas for my lunch. It was extremely difficult to reach what I would today consider a safe speed (I am no Lance Armstrong, nor are most of our citizens), and any inclines were a burden to pedal against. Being an engineer, I looked for an alternative and found that many states permit citizens to motorize their bikes; however, ours is behind the curve and currently does not. I believe that if the laws were revised, many would choose to reap the benefits of exercise, fuel conservation, and cheap transport that motor assisted bicycles promise.
The most fuel efficient car struggles to get over 50MPG; however, gasoline powered motor assisted bicycles average upwards of 225+MPG at speeds up to 30MPH (making obese citizens into Lance Armstrong performers)
http://www.bikeengines.com/info.htm. These very capable small motors still need the individual to get going and climb inclines. Though in the long term it's not the gasoline powered engines that shine, it is the electric engines, and the promise of other small engines running off of alternative fuels like compressed air. Those who can afford the luxury fuel efficient cars are doing their small bit for the environment, but thankfully a motor assisted bicycle is relatively cheap to build (~1k) but get more exensive as you progress to the electric kits
http://www.electric-bikes.com/bikes/performance.html. At least one individual has a business building a motorized trike (three wheeled bicycle)
http://goblinmotors.com/, and there are numerous websites devoted to people who build their own as hobbies
http://www.motoredbikes.com/.
As a cyclist and a citizen of Alabama, I would hope you could devote some of your time into seeing what can be done to permit use of this great technology to bring not just the benefits but the joys of cycling to those who are not physically fit in addition to creating an viable transport alternative for those who live relatively close to their jobs. It concerns me that policies of older times are blocking the way towards all citizens being able to afford a healthy fuel efficient modes of transportation.
His reply to mine (I asked for permission to post it):
I love your email and couldn't agree more with you. Fitness has been a part of my life and Lisa's life forever and I love having a check up and hearing the Doc say, "if I could buy your blood pressure I would buy it!" I THINK THIS COMES FROM EFFORT, NOT GENETICS.
Health care discussions really frustrate me too! Why do we not have more competition to BCBS in Alabama? Why doesn’t our state incentivize us to take out an HSA by making it fully state tax deductible? Also, why is it that our leadership seldom mentions this? I have so much to learn but I am up for the challenge.
I lived in Europe when I was in college and for 2 years I didnt own a car and biked everywhere. The world is different over there and it would not be practical for us to bike everywhere here unless we do see major legislative changes.
I need a few favors!
1. Please keep the ideas coming to me if I am elected. I will need lots of fresh ideas; I have many, but have encouraged everyone to email me so I can keep a living spreadsheet.
2. Please vote for me on July 14th!
3. Please tell your friends to vote for me on the 14th. We will not change our community, state, or country unless we all get out of our comfort zone. Just voting and thinking that is the end of our responsibility is not enough anymore. Now is the time we must all stand up, if we don't we are in BIG trouble. I think 2010 is a crossroads as serious as any we have faced as a country. I do not mean to be overly dramatic, but I really feel this way. If I did not I would not be running for office.
