Shame on us? Why? Are we cyclists included in the \”naughty pups\” column on this list of Santa\’s?

Granfondoguide.com (not secure) gives ten reasons why cyclists are bad for the economy:

1. We drive less than other folks, and don\’t buy cars as often. Ha! Who\’s got the money to pay for a car sitting around?
2. We also buy less gasoline. That stuff\’\’s expensive, and it doesn\’t smell good. When it\’s burned in internal-combustion engines, it gives off nasty fumes.
3. We make less use of garages and car washes. Of course I don\’t use garages and car washes. I don\’t have a car! Car washes are a waste of water, too.
4. We make fewer payments for parking the car. See number 3.
5. We don\’t get obese. I bet I\’d weigh more than I do if I didn\’t ride a bicycle.
6. We shell out less for healthcare. Maybe some of us cyclists do. I\’ve got a genetic nervous system disorder that has to be monitored.
7. We spend less on prescriptions. See number 6.
8. We do rides to raise funds for good causes. Tour de Cure! Bike MS, to name only two.
9. We\’re more apt to shop locally. I think that\’s a natural outcome of relying on a bicycle for transportation. Admittedly it does limit our range, and the amount of stuff we can haul home. Panniers carry only so  much.
10. We consume less, and thus don\’t put as much into the GDP.  Hey, don\’t expect me to spend more than I can afford!

OK, shame on us for being bad for the economy. Maybe that will get us all a stocking full of coal for Xmas. But that would be bad for the environment!