Have you thought about how you’ll get around in the event that hopping in your car and driving someplace isn’t an option? Transportation and mobility are extremely important factors in preparedness.
Mobility can vary significantly during SHTF versus normal times. But it remains equally essential to logistics and safety. We must stay mobile to restock supplies, search for help (or help others), communicate, evade threats, etc. If things haven’t gone full Mad Max, you may need an alternative mode of transportation.
So what is the ultimate SHTF vehicle? You can find all sorts of fancy bug-out vehicles out there, but if you’re on a budget this may not be an option. Perhaps it’s time to consider the humble bicycle.
Mobility (or lack thereof) depends a lot on the scenario
War, martial law, a natural disaster: each situation calls for a strategy, considering speed, distance, mode of transportation and load/cargo capacity, and also the status of the infrastructure. Either way, we must be able to move around with the maximum safety possible. When other rules change, the rules of mobility follow suit.
Being mobile has just one meaning, but various reasons and different forms. Sometimes we must go fast. Other times going fast means drawing unwanted attention or risking an accident. There’s also range and cargo capacity. There’s stuff to be done nearby, and there’s stuff to be done far away. Sometimes we must move around slowly and stealthily.
How SHTF affects mobility
SHTF can impact mobility in many ways. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 and all the craziness that came with it, we’ve seen how fast things can change.
During SHTF, there is undoubtedly social chaos going on. And it is likely gridlocks, blockades, debris, and various obstacles will affect, maybe even impair, traffic and public transportation. Floods, earthquakes, and similar can wreak havoc on infrastructure too. There is also a risk of breaking curfew, experiencing conflict, and being targeted by authorities or outlaws. Crime waves are a concern too.
We must think this through and come out with flexible and reliable solutions. Those are usually the most simple ones.
Play out in advance what scenarios are likely to occur during SHTF
Fuel is hard to stock and can’t be recycled. It takes space, it smells, emits fumes, draws attention. It demands intensive and specialized labor and equipment to produce. Once it’s over and there’s a shortage, it’s tough to improvise or substitute., although there are a few possibilities. Even if roads and vehicles are still around during a disaster or SHTF (a flood, earthquake, whatever), access to fuel may be challenging at the minimum.
I know some people who stock fuel for SHTF. For heating or cooking, it can be OK. Fuel is essential. In rural areas and farms, stocking fuel is the norm. But it can be dangerous and not very practical for city dwellers. Most people in the city have limited space and other restrictions, some of them legal.
Stocked fuel may not last much during a prolonged shortage or collapse either. Late last year, an entire state in Brazil went grid-down for more than a month due to a power transformer failure. Even places like hospitals that are always ready for these situations faced trouble after just a week. Fuel got used up, confiscated, looted, sold in the black market. That’s how things run (or should I say, don’t run) in a real SHTF.
Walking is the most basic, simple answer.
Walking is time-proven. It is perhaps the best way to move around when things turn sour. It’s basic, slow, un-fancy, and free. (Maybe that’s why it doesn’t get much attention or promotion.) It is safer than running and gentler on the body.
During crazy periods we must do things slow and deliberately. Most preppers say that because that’s what works.
Bicycles top the list as the most efficient and versatile machine created
But sometimes, we need speed or more cargo capacity without giving up on being discreet. I’ll make a case for two-wheels here: as a way to cover more ground (urban or rural) quickly without drawing much attention, bicycles are perhaps the best vehicle to use during SHTF. It’s a simple, legit, and inconspicuous force multiplier.
This concept is rather obvious for the prepper: efficiency provides an even higher yield during a disaster. Everything becomes more difficult, and we have to care for a lot more stuff while spending as little energy as possible. Any tool or piece of gear that can leverage our capacities is highly welcome.
A person on a bike can travel more than 2.000 miles on the equivalent energy of a gallon of fuel. Twice as fast as someone running, without the impact, and for a lot longer before exhaustion. The bicycle can hold ten times (or more) its weight, and the rider can easily push or carry it over obstacles if necessary. We can ride bicycles even in the middle of absolute chaos. They’ve been successfully used during wars by civilians and the military.
Here are just a few pros of bicycles:
- We can ride bikes on and off the road
- We can ride along with or against the flow
- We can ride it outdoors and indoors (day and night, rain or shine)
- Bikes can be taken upstairs or put into elevators
- We can take bikes on trains and buses and in cars
- Bikes are easily camouflaged and concealed
- EMPs or grid-downs do not impair bicycles (unless they’re electrically assisted – I’ll get there)
- Bikes can move over poorly conditioned surfaces, such as streets destroyed or covered in debris
- Bicycles are relatively inexpensive (having one robbed, damaged, or left behind won’t break anyone financially)
- Bikes can be fixed or replaced easily without too much cost
- Bicycles are easier and cheaper to maintain than cars
- Repairs can be done on-the-go, or conveniently at home
- Spare parts are pretty much standard and inexpensive (though not always, I admit)
- Spare parts may be scavenged from other bikes
- And, you can insure your bicycle (if that’s a thing after SHTF)
That covers a lot, don’t you agree?
But, that’s not all, the list of advantages continues
Bicycles are silent, a lot more silent than a motorcycle or a car. That alone can provide a huge tactical advantage in some situations.
They can also carry some load, though weight becomes an issue and presents a limitation at a point. It is possible to use a cargo trailer to bring extra gear, more oversized packages, or other people. (Such as elderly, children, disabled, or injured.) Sure, that means less agility and speed, but speed isn’t always a good thing during SHTF. Consider the pros and cons of this according to your situation.
One can escape riots, protests, and dangerous situations swiftly on a bicycle. A bike is easily used to go search for someone or supplies and to get or take help. We could evade town and bug out definitely on a bike. Bicycles for personal protection? Absolutely! A bike can be used as a barrier when put between you and other people (or animals). The police have been using bikes as barriers in some countries to control protests and diverge groups in stadiums and other places with large concentrations.
I have not begun to reveal all the physical and psychological benefits of riding bicycles.
Best practices for bike riders, skilled and not so skilled
If you already ride, you probably possess the skills to build some fitness on top and keep going. Instead of walking, driving, or taking transportation, you can use your bike as training. I ride 4 to 6 times a week, taking my training bag (added of some weight, so I get used to the extra load) once or twice a month for my survival training.
If you’re new to bicycles and would like to start, it’s better to get professional guidance. Think it through and adapt accordingly, paying attention to safety and health. Riding a bicycle makes us move four or five times faster than walking. Sometimes even more. That means we must keep our attention and focus on the road, cars, people, transit, and everything that’s going on around us.
Walking also builds fitness, and we can focus on strategy, routes, analysis, and food or water acquisition during training. If you add in cycling, work on other aspects: reflexes, long-range vision, obstacle anticipation, and avoidance, bicycle skills, cardio.
There are many types of bicycles to choose from
I have ridden bikes my entire life, on and off the road, and even competing locally for a few years. I love all that. But for SHTF, my option would be either a mountain bike or hybrid.
Fat-tired bikes are more rugged, thus apt for all kinds of pavement. Unlike their road/racing, skinny brethren, which are better suited for conserved, smooth tarmac. MTBs also offer a more upright position and nimble, agile handling. That can be a blessing for zig-zagging, jumping curbs, and for more comfort and versatility in general, especially on bumpy and mount-dismount rides. Off-road style shoes and pedals are better suited for walking and more versatile for varied and challenging terrain.
Hybrids, also called “city bikes,” can be a good option too. They are more rugged than a road bike yet not as bulky as an off-road bike. The frames usually have rack and fender anchoring, useful for installing a rack and transport cargo, pulling a trailer, or other wheeled concoction. The wheels are big (700C), but tires are wider, stronger and grippier, than road bikes.
Another option is an electrically assisted bike
Electrically assisted bikes make appearances in SHTF novels, as in the classic Wolf And Iron by Gordon R. Dickson, where the main character, “JeeBee” Walther, starts his journey after SHTF (an economic collapse) with a solar-rechargeable, prototypical e-bike.
E-bikes can be high-speed and carry more load. You can save a lot of your energy by using a motorized bike as well, and that’s always something to consider during SHTF. They’re also silent, reliable, long-lasting, and demand little maintenance. Although a bit more than the conventional human-powered bicycle. Still, it brings many of the advantages of a motorcycle without the need for fuel, license plates, and other complexities such as weight and noise.
The downsides are long charging times and relatively limited autonomy. If an e-bike goes empty, pedaling is still possible, but the weight makes it too damn hard. I’m also not aware of any current e-bike that can be charged by smaller, compact solar panels. However, more powerful systems can be used if outlets go dead. They usually demand a dedicated cable or transformer for charging.
Lastly, if you believe an EMP or CME could happen as SHTF, be aware this would affect functionality like any other electrical appliance. Still, given the upsides, I wouldn’t be surprised if many chose to use an electric bike during STHF.
Other things to consider in advance
If using a bike or e-bike is in your SHTF plans, invest in quality but skip the flashy, complicated stuff. Go basic and discreet. It is also important to acquire tools (pumps, multi-tool, chain oil, mini tools, tire levers, etc.), spares (tires, chains, brake pads, air tubes), and equipment (decent lights and a good locker, also fenders and racks which add versatility). Look for the most common parts that break or need replacement.
Opt for tubeless wheels with suitable and strong tires filled with sealant fluid instead of tubes. Don’t forget to have extra sealant and also tubeless flat fixing kits. Both are extremely easy and simple to use, and cheap too.
Learn bike maintenance beforehand (at the very least the basics)
You can download or print a guide or how-to and keep it stored. You will find instructions like lubing and cleaning the transmission, changing tires, fixing flats, broken chains, wheel removals, and position adjustments in these guides. E-bikes are sturdy, and general maintenance is similar to conventional bikes, like cleaning and lubing. But the electrical system (batteries, circuits, and controls) demands specific knowledge and tools.
Get the bike fitted for you and keep it revised and always in good condition. A bike fit is essential to prevent injuries and low performance. It can be done with a specialist or learned on the internet. There are countless videos, articles, and tutorials everywhere about these and any other bike-related topics. Of course, as always, the best way to do all that is by actually riding it consistently. So keep riding.
Conclusion
If the two-wheeled route seems overly complicated, there’s always walking, or even running, as options. You can’t go wrong with that no matter the situation.
What about 4×4 ATVs, motorcycles, bug-out vehicles, and similar vehicles? They are more complicated, costly, and demand fuel, but some preppers swear by it. Depending on the context, these and other vehicles can be used and be a great advantage.
I guess that depends a lot on the strategies and plans one has. But life and reality have this weird habit of not caring for our plans. Meaning, there’s no way to tell what will happen and what will and won’t work. That’s why covering the basics is usually a good idea. Then you can put other strategies in place and have more options.
Do you have a way to get and stay mobile during SHTF?
Do you have a bicycle or many? Do you have other mobility suggestions or questions? Let us know in the comments below what your plan is to get moving when the SHTF.
About Fabian
Fabian Ommar is a 50-year-old middle-class worker living in São Paulo, Brazil. Far from being the super-tactical or highly trained military survivor type, he is the average joe who since his youth has been involved with self-reliance and outdoor activities and the practical side of balancing life between a big city and rural/wilderness settings. Since the 2008 world economic crisis, he has been training and helping others in his area to become better prepared for the “constant, slow-burning SHTF” of living in a 3rd world country.
Fabian’s ebook, Street Survivalism: A Practical Training Guide To Life In The City, is a practical training method for common city dwellers based on the lifestyle of the homeless (real-life survivors) to be more psychologically, mentally, and physically prepared to deal with the harsh reality of the streets during normal or difficult times.
You can follow Fabian on Instagram @stoicsurvivor
I cycled coast to coast in 2005, which taught me a lot about living simply using the bicycle. Perhaps the greatest advantage is being able to carry your living quarters (tent) inconspicuously and making your home for the night just about anywhere.
I road in Tour of the Scioto River Valley 3 times (105 miles Saturday, 105 miles back on Sunday). Good ride.
The only thing I cannot do myself with a bicycle is if I had to true a wheel.
Other than tires and tubes, cables can stretch but are easily adjusted. Chains can stretch too.
I have a Cross and a Mountain Bike.
If you have not been riding pre-SHTF, remember, as far as you go from home, you have to go back. Mind the hills.
Bikes are a great choice. Do NOT go to the big box store for a bike. Walmart has discouraged more people than can be counted. The bikes are shiny thats it, they don’t fit most, are heavy, and put together by an amateur. Ride your bike, don’t wait until you must. Jeans are the worst thing to wear, the seam will eat you up. Wear a helmet at all times (i know they look silly). Gloves are also a big help.
Any travel in SHTF will be perilous, and bicyclists may be sitting ducks for ambush or dog packs. Even a farm dog with a mission can take down a rider and ruin his day. Beware of crossing people’s land to avoid road hazards. Know your routes and try them while it’s safe. But I have bikes in town and out there, ready to go with little notice. I’m considering getting an old two seater so as to bring a passenger and/or mount extra baggage.
“Even a farm dog with a mission can take down a rider and ruin his day”
(laugh) true dat. riding slowly uphill one day and a german shepherd runs up from behind and throws his shoulder into my front wheel, dumped me flat onto the road. stood about 15 feet away smiling his dog smile at me. threw my bike at him.
second the recommendation to wear gloves, unless you want to leave half your palm on the pavement someday.
Some random thoughts
In wet weather with muddy roads you’ll regret the fenderless bikes that will soak your clothes with mud and water.
It’s very easy to convert a thrift store’s two-child carrying bicycle trailer into a very inexpensive cargo trailer — for either bicycle hauling or on-foot hauling.
There are some portability, transportability and storability virtues in the folding bicycle designs (like the Brompton) although they are a bit pricey. Some pilots and RVers like the space-saving features of much smaller folding brands.
At one time there were tiny bolt-on motors that could drive a bicycle with exceptional efficiency and fuel economy. They typically used a friction drive that spun against one tire. There are probably equivalents today still on the market.
There are a lot of city streets and major highways where the traffic is simply too fast and/or too dangerous to be out on a bicycle. Learning in advance where such areas are can be a life-saving exercise.
Many a bicycle rider has had his/her day wrecked when trying to pass a parked car … and the driver suddenly opens the car door in front of that fast moving rider.
High visibility clothing can save your life in daytime, and at night good bicycle lighting and reflective tape on clothing is extremely worthwhile.
When you go shopping on a bicycle, bring along a good chain and padlock system … or parts (or all) of your bicycle may be gone when you emerge from a store.
–Lewis
@Lewis,
Riding in wet or muddy conditions is half the fun! 🙂
To add to Lewis’s safety tips, sunglasses. I once had a head on collision by a bumble bee. It hit hard enough (I was doing about 20mph) it took the tint off my sunglasses. If I was not wearing them, could of loss an eye.
“you’ll regret the fenderless bikes”
yep. coasting down a steep hill, saw a water flow in the road, “no problem”. too late realized that the ‘water” was upwelling overflow from a sewer drain. drenched.
I used to ride constantly, everywhere in town because bikes were quicker than buses. Even though bikes are slower than cars, in an urban situation it usually took less time to ride a bike than drive a car then look for parking. But then I developed a hernia which I was told is common among bike riders, so had to stop. I have also been told that recumbent bikes have different pressures on the body, thus contribute far less to causing hernias.
As for additional cargo carrying, there are two main types of bike trailers—single wheeled and two wheeled. I noticed from online descriptions that both types seem to max out at about the same weight of cargo. The advantage of a single wheeled trailer is that it can go down narrow off-road bike paths that would hang up a two wheeled trailer.
For me personally, the optimal bike would be a recumbent with 700 cm hybrid or off-road tires, pulling a single-wheel trailer also with the same tire as the bike. I don’t think such a combo exists.
For those who can still ride regular bikes, I agree with the author that probably the best combo for speed, quietness and load carrying ability would be a bike with off-road or hybrid tires, while I add a single-wheel trailer with the same sized tire as the bike.
All of this is assuming that bike riding is still an option.
A standard bicycle by itself is not much good as the cargo capacity is small. With a trailer it might be better.
personally I think it would make you a target and I have never had good luck with tubes not losing air and going flat.
I would rather trust a Large Garden cart and walk, pulling it behind me.
I have one of these: GroundWork 1,400 lb. Capacity Heavy-Duty Steel Utility Cart, from Tractor supply Co, for about $170.00
It would go almost anywhere a bike with a trailer would. will carry more stuff and is more versatile for use around a camp site (hauling loads of wood, water containers, etc.). You can change out the tires for solid rubber one to eliminate flats.
Scavenging will be a necessary activity Post SHTF, this would assist in that, a bike will not.
Plus you will notice a lot more things walking, than on a bike. You are watching the road for debris on a bike, especially post SHTf. So chances are, you won’t see the road block or ambush until it is to late.
One person on a bike might be an oddity, post SHTF, but a group or a family on Bikes will attract a lot of
unwanted attention.
So the Group dynamic and group safety in numbers, etc., just went out the window. Plus if you pick up anyone with out a bike. it will be hard for them to keep up or you to slow down for them.
As Mr. Ommar pointed out, buying a bicycle with connections for front and rear panniers can add to cargo capacity.
I knew a rider who would haul all his gear in those panniers (sleeping bag, tent, cookware etc.). He was in his 60s, retired.
Buy quality tubes and you dont have to worry about them going flat. I think I have had 3 flats in all my riding. I used to race too. Short ride was 30miles, long one 60-70 miles, 5-6 times a week. That is how I know chains can stretch.
When riding, unless it is a fallen branch, large rock/s or horse manure, I am not looking for debris, but looking around. Enjoying the scenery. Noting houses, bridges, and other observations.
As for an ambush, depending on how they are set up, they may not even know I am there until I have passed. And hitting a moving target like that adds to the difficulty. Unlike someone on foot pulling a garden cart. They could have 5 or more minutes to prepare, sight in. And of course, riding now, looking around, I can see where a possible ambush would be.
Post SHTF, no fuel, everyone will be either walking or riding a bicycle. It will be the only mode of transportation once the fuel is gone. Be rather common sight to see, as people will need to trade/barter with their neighbors. I can either hump it to my one neighbors, take about 30 minutes (the wife walks the dogs to their place currently). Or hop on the bike and take about 10 minutes, maybe less.
There will be times when walking is more practical. Other times when bicycling more so. Time, distance, and situation will dictate.
It is currently in the mid 20s, about a foot of snow on the ground. If this were post-SHTF, no fuel, no snow plows, only mode of transportation is humping it preferably with snowshoes, or cross country skis. My Amish neighbors might be better set up for that kind of thing.
Now that they make studded bike snow tires, I’m thinking about getting some and trying them out. This might make thinner tires more useful, since you’d be slicing through the snow instead of floating and drifting atop with balloon tires. Add to this a single-wheeled trailer, and (if it works – yet for me to determine), then I’d have great mobile capacity even without fuel and noise. Now if they could only come up with a bicycle defroster. My glasses just can’t seem to adapt to those needs.
@1StMarineJarHead
“ There will be times when walking is more practical. Other times when bicycling more so. Time, distance, and situation will dictate.”
Exactly my thinking. During the near-SHTFs we had here (the truckers strike in 2018 mostly) I’ve used my bike to save on gas. That’s everyday for me, riding bikes I mean. But it takes a different meaning in those situations.
So I guess during an economic downturn or even a collapse a bicycle may become even more important.
But whatever happens I’ll keep riding lol
stay safe have a nice week.
“Buy quality tubes and you dont have to worry about them going flat”
that helps, but it’s no guarantee. where I live the gangbangers like to go around at night smashing beer bottles in the better neighborhood streets, “get whitey” and all that. grid down that will increase and there will be broken glass everywhere.
@gman & 1StMarineJarHead
Try some off-road tubeless tires filled with racing-grade liquid sealant. Tubeless tires have tougher threaded casing and flat/rip protection.
It usually resist glass and thorns well, and won’t flat from snakebite (when the tube gets pinched between the rim border and inner casing of the tire).
It’s not 100% flat or rip proof but considerably more resistant and versatile than tubed tires. Most times I go through the tire’s life without a single flat. And they’re much easier and faster to repair too.
I will say that this is one of the very best and most practical articles about the advantages of a bicycle. It is in the SHTF context, but could easily be rewritten to point out the advantages of using a bicycle for inexpensive practical transportation and for physical conditioning. Thank you for your insight and the encouraging article.
Thank you Tom, glad you liked.
Indeed I believe bicycles are great, I’ve been cycling consistently for the past 40 yrs (I’m 50) so yes I’ve seen and felt the advantages for the individual. Body and mind, and not only for myself but for everyone who adopted it.
Right now we’re witnessing a resurgence in cycling and bicycles as a lifestyle and transportation mode. It’s been happening for many yrs now but really accelerating in the last decade. Since COV19 it’s exploded at least here where I live, I find that awesome.
As for bikes and SHTF, well… they’ve been used heavily during wars since WW1 so it’s been more than tested in such difficult situations, at least enough to be considered by preppers I guess.
Have a nice week.
What about golf carts? Battery operated. Batteries could be faraday caged.
Kay, large not useful on narrow walking trails, pretty slow and VERY Valuable to folks that might be willing to do violence to acquire it.
Aside from that how were you going to recharge it? The Generator needs fuel and is noisy. A Solar Array would be a large attractive target for thieves.
At least I can hide a bicycle nearly anywhere. I once accidently misplaced mine in a fish pond. Was still usable but needed some work later.
I looked up Fabian’s ebook on Amazon since it very possibly relates to some desperate circumstances where a bicycle might help tremendously. Here’s what I found:
Street Survivalism : A Practical Training Guide To Life In The City Kindle Edition
by Fabian Ommar (Kindle edition only, $3.89, 229-page equivalent,
(2020 Revision: Coronavirus Pandemic Updated / October 2020 Third Edition)
One 5-star rating only, with no evaluation text. Needs some real reviews.
https://www.amazon.com/Street-Survivalism-Practical-Training-Guide-ebook/dp/B08CZ29V5G/ref=as_li_ss_tl?dchild=1&keywords=Street+Survivalism:+A+Practical+Training+Guide+To+Life+In+The+City&qid=1607453297&s=audible&sr=1-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=theorgpre-20&linkId=aeb823e0d035061c186e4a8622b10484&language=en_US
$3.89 is a heckofa bargain for an Oct 2020 updated 229-page equivalent ebook — on topic and written by an expert — even if the free Kindle for PC software doesn’t work on your computer and your only access is to read it only via
read.amazon.com
where you log in and get access to all your “purchased“ Kindle ebooks online.
–Lewis
i suggest you consider a 3/4 size adult folding trike. i have one that is electrified with a hub motor and battery system. easier to use than full size and still carries a lot of groceries/gear. it folds in half and can be stowed in the back hatch of my subcompact car. it it go on light rail. the heavy batteries can be removed easily making the remaining weight acceptable for riding without electric assist if needed.
Brand and Model Please? Approx. how far have you ridden your bicycle? What amount of hills and such do you deal with please?
Thanks in advance
Being from Amsterdam i have some suggestions about bikes. Cables and Brakes can stretch and break. Ik have mine replaced with a Dreigang backpedal gear shift gearhub with a coasterbrake. That goes for years without maintenance. Have your front wheel spoked with spoke 13, and on a steel rim heavier but more sturdy. Mount anti flat tires and pump them hard. A two wheel biketrailer is prefferable It will not tip over easely. And a luggage rack for clip on bags. Oh and mount some really good lighting. I use solarpowered ones.
Fuzion City Glide Adult Kick Scooter
2 questions:
Where is it y’all are going?
In this country the greatest threat without ROL is getting shot. After all we did just sell 10 million guns last year mostly to newbies and entitled leftist and even if you disagree they went to those who don’t prepare and panicked last minute so they are still dangerous because they’ve got no other preps. Will y’all address this?
“Will y’all address this?”
(shrug) sure. when the time comes.
Yeah no one likes it when you shoot a hole in the plan. Literally
Matt, I ask much the same thing about long range communications. Why give the electronic surveillance python something interesting to explore? Radio Direction finding has gotten a LOT better with multi detection and computers. Even a burst transmission can be triangulated. Just how far away do you expect help? Just how far away will Trouble come to visit?
However back to bicycles post SHTF if you have any interest in community defense and aid, some form of transportation is very useful. Hopefully YOU Know your Area better than the “visitors” and know how to get around with out following every ambush ridden roadways.
Could be very useful if someone saw trouble coming and rode their bicycle in the hidden paths to alert their neighbors to the problems coming. Might be useful if the area Medic needs to get somewhere promptly. OR the local QRF. Even on single track trails and such I am more than 10 times faster on bicycle than on foot.
Not every situation is a warlord ridden wasteland with toxic smoke drifting on the breeze. If my area was that bad maybe it’s time for Ronin behavior as there seems little reason to just survive then.
But yes Matt the masses of firearms does make getting shot in a WROL situation quite likely until folks thin out the perpetually angry and stupid. After that an armed society tends to be a polite society as the results of being offensive are often terminal.
I was planning on selling our bicycles to raise cash for guns. Now I’m reconsidering that.
I left a comment on another blog last week and one of the first prepper suggestions was to have a bicycle. Silent and doesn’t need fuel.
The only downside is that my knees can take it and my spouse won’t ride.
I guess if you have to you will. Or you can “rent” to someone else.
I’ve planned for that…got my bike ready, cart and all….has been ready for years.
Dear Fabian,
One of my soon-to-be-executed projects is to built a pushcart to go uphill the almost 600 meters height difference between my cabin and the town. I already bought an old bike I’m going to disassembly and put in great working condition. The operation cost, provided it will be electric, will be ridiculously low. Even a combustion engine, like 80cc or close, will make a huge difference pushing a bicycle. Getting a couple of gasoline liters per week is not hard and will take you where you need rapidly and efficiently. You can get indestructible tires for a bicycle without making a hole in your pocket. There are so many advantages. It’s incredible to see how down here in Venezuela the small motorcycles tripled their numbers. Or quintuplicate.