We have spoken at length about the consequences that automobiles have on our society, from their literal cost, to the abstract cost of our health and sanity, to our very safety.

Much more can be written about the emotional toll that automobiles have on us. The anger we feel as we get cut off in traffic, miss a light, nearly hit someone due to negligence. The isolation we feel from not really having neighbours. From having to get in a car just to find food.

Although much of this is a logical and evidence-based appeal towards not driving, we do effort some hopeful respite. There are many people who feel this way, and there is a sense of community to be forged in the crevasse left in us by the automobile industry. There are plenty of people who seek to rid themselves and their communities of these beastly machines and the infrastructure that supports them, and you can be one to join the chorus of voices calling for safety and sanity in a sea of smog and rising prices.

We would encourage you to do the easiest, but most impactful thing you can do for yourself and your community: ride your bike, if you live in a city that provides you the means to safely do so. Take public transit, if you live in a city that has provided some that can adequately transport you from work to your home.

Every single car off the road is one less pollutant in the world. It’s one less giant vehicle that could maim or kill someone if the driver is remotely negligent for just one wrong second. Your car off the road means you don’t pay insurance. You don’t pay gas prices. You no longer contribute to the decimation of roads that will have to be covered up with taxpayer dollars.

Do what you can for your community, and yourself: take the bikepill.