Demotorization...
 

Cars aren't what they used to be -- to kids, that is.

Rebel without a car? | Up to Speed | Los Angeles Times

I guess these kids didn't get the memo....

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1255037337.jpg

Hmm, I don't know what I think about this. Still lots of kids tooling around around here. I don't see any decline in my area. I can see that certain areas could see change, and that due to the economy there could be some change. But I don't think it will be permanent.

No

Hipsters are making it cool to be poor again.

Main hipster form of transport: fixie bike

I, for one, would love to see less teens behind the wheel, and lots and lots more on bikes.

+1.

Fixies are everywhere here, with kids on top of them. Old farts ride gears and such.

Maybe it's the demographics. I know if I were a kid growing up in L.A. now, after spending hours upon hours in stop-and-go traffic, watching my folks get frustrated, when it comes time for me to drive, why would I want to impose the same on myself?

But then again, parents I speak with say it all completely changes when a kid turns 15 or 16 (whenever it is they can drive in Cali), and at that point, all they talk about is driving and owning a car.

"In Japan, the first major developed country to actually experience a decline in car ownership, disinterest among young people in owning cars — especially in urban areas such as Tokyo — is cited as one of the factors behind “demotorization.”"

Having just come from Japan, I can believe this easily. Everyone seemed to be biking....incredibly cool, high quality bikes, of course. Or on a scoot or motorcycle. With real estate at such a premium, parking spaces seem to be hard to come by. Although they do have these cool robotic parking garages....

hear that in Japan, certain areas, or whole , not sure, you can't buy a car if you can't prove you have a parking space for it..

In parts of London - downtown I imagine - private cars aren't allowed. So people park on the outskirts, then from their trunk, pull out folding bicycles and minibikes. :cool:

Easier to run 'em over! Kill 'em quick...before they breed!:D

My oldest son wasn't broke up at all when he lost his ride in high school for disciplinary reasons, did a stretch post-hs with a bicycle as only tansportation.
The younger, I think he's taking college so seriously to be able to afford the cars he REALLY wants (making do with a 5sp Accord coupe for now).
Jim

There's a congestion Charge Zone around much of central London that you need to pay to legally be able to drive into during the week (0630 to 1900)....But private cars are allowed.

There has been a rise in parking just outside it and biking in.. saves on having to pay the £8 per day.

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