Spain and bikes

Yesterday during my walk I heard a story on NPR about biking in Spain. Basically residents in Spain don’t bike, except for recreation and sport. I have never been to Spain but I tend to lump all European countries together in my romantic vision of people walking and biking to get everywhere. One woman (?) in the story actually likened riding a bike to riding a donkey- people aren’t going to do it if they can afford a car. The story is interesting and if you missed it be sure to listen to it, if you want.
This story started me thinking about another reason people like their cars: status. Isn’t that part of the reason cars got to be so popular? I am just thinking here, no data to support this. But to have a car meant that you could afford a car and to use any other form of transportation, well, that’s kind of like riding a donkey- right? I have heard buses referred to as “loser cruisers,” as an example. When you walk to get someplace, chances are you will be hotter and sweatier- in the summer- or wet and mussed- in the winter. Same goes for biking anywhere- not to mention helmet hair. Cars become secret sanctuaries, refuges from the grime and mess of the world. You can arrive at your destination looking pretty much the same way you started off.
Fortunately, I have seen some movement away from the car being THE status symbol. Biking to work actually seems to be the new cool. And if you check out the blog “She Rides a Bike” you can see plenty of style in bike riding. The isolation and wide-butt production of car driving is losing its appeal, not to mention the cost- financially, mentally and environmentally- associated with cars. Buses get you to where you need to go AND you can text or read to your delight. Bikes strengthen your muscles and work out your days’ stresses. Walking provides time for reflection and is free transportation and exercise. That's what I need, exercise and more exercise.
What? There's gas in that tank and not coffee? Curses!