Dude, Where's My Public Transit?

Community action alert: Bowling Green, Ohio needs a better public transportation system.

As a member of a one-car family and a resident of the North side of town who works on the South side of town, I often require assistance getting to and from work. Today, my husband called while I was at work to tell me his schedule changed and he wouldn't be able to pick me up. I had never seen any B.G. public transit vehicle other than the shuttles that operate on BGSU's campus, but rather than bum another ride from a coworker, I decided to Google it just to be sure. Here's what I found:

B.G.'s claim to public transit is B.G. Transit, and although the opening paragraph of their site strictly states that B.G. Transit is not a taxi service, it quickly redefines itself as, "a bus service whose route is determined by scheduled rides." Is that not a taxi service? The site also states that riders should anticipate their ride arriving within a 30 minute window and they should anticipate arriving at their destination 25 minutes after their pickup. Fare? $3.50 ($1.75 for seniors and disabled persons).

Perhaps I'm merely spoiled having grown up in Toledo, where one can ride TARTA anywhere in the city for $1.00 a ride or $10 for a weekly pass. Still, I'm surprised and disappointed that a town as progressive as Bowling Green fumbles the football on public transit while the university boasts hybrid shuttle buses. The town is not huge, but it's difficult to navigate on foot or bike to certain areas - especially when "certain areas" include an office job where you need to present yourself in a professional, non-sweaty manner. People who live and work in Bowling Green shouldn't have to drive.

Community action anyone? Your thoughts?

Make It Do or Do Without

My dad always said, "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without." Well...

Jesse picked me up from work today and on the way home, I spotted a bike by the side of the road with a "FREE" sign on it. We pulled off and I got out of the car to examine the value of the offer. Meanwhile, a woman sitting on the balcony across the street (Main Street, to be exact) took it upon herself to shout at me repeatedly "Take it! Take it!" I'm already slightly hearing impaired and the 5:00 Main Street traffic did not help my ability to understand this woman, so I nodded and smiled and asked "Is it yours?" which, of course, she could not hear me shout.

Luckily, a man came out of the house that the bike was actually in front of and said, "It doesn't have brakes."

"Oh," I replied. "It's yours?" He kindly responded that yes, it was his and that I needn't settle for this fine piece of machinery because I could have my pick of other bikes he had in his basement. I motioned to Jesse and he got out of the car to join me. As we followed the kind gentleman into his basement, he politely said, "Don't mind the mildew smell." Frankly, I was a little more concerned about the alcohol on his breath, but I proceeded regardless.

In the cellar, I had my pick of two bikes: an ordinary forest green 10-speed (just my style) and a pink and purple USA Mt. Climber that strongly resembled the bike I owned when I was 12 years old. Unfortunately, the forest green bike had a gear skipping problem...

So, I did what any other working class Mennonite would do. I hopped on the USA Mt. Climber (would I dare grace my butt cheeks with a bike of any other national origin?!) and - trousers, loafers, collared shirt, and all - I pedaled my way home.

Jesse brought back the car, then returned for the brakeless bike. He rode it home using his tennis shoes as stoppers. We think we can salvage the tires and put them on a different bike.

Let this be a lesson to you: next time you see a 23-year-old business woman riding to work on her pink and purple 10-speed, don't laugh...because...it's probably me and that would hurt my feelings.

"Oh, the Places You'll Go"

We've returned from a whirlwind tour of the northern portion of the country with many memories, experiences, and photos. We'll post some more pics and a link to the flickr site once we get all of the photos uploaded (the first 1/4 is 44% complete).