Invisible Riders

For the sociologists, humanitarians, and cyclists out there:

Pick up a copy of December's issue of Bicycling magazine. There's an amazing, often heartbreaking, story of the USA's real bike commuters--the legions of immigrants and down on their luck citizens who find it more affordable--or more possible--than owning a car..... I'm not going to go into too much detail, just take a look--a rather interesting and eye opening expose, as the average price of a bike among the leisure class is often half the annual income of this biking commuter.

Also, on a less serious note, from the column: "[Road cycling] is founded on the principle that anyone who can be driven from the pack had no business being there in the first place. Bar to bar at 30 mph, our much-derided overarching scorn and condescending hatred keep us safe--and more importantly, stylishly fast. Mountain biking was created by self-outcast roadies who, no longer able to tolerate being in thrall to such a heartless but effective philosophy, eased their tortured souls by inhaling dust and cannabis in equal measures." --StyleMan, Bicycling Magazine