The Battle of Transportation

“You are a Soldier in The Battle of Transportation,” read the June 11, 1943, Phillips 66 advertisement in The Southeast Missourian.

I was researching another story when my eye was drawn to the headline and body copy: “Every unnecessary mile you drive is a contribution to our Axis enemies.”

“Get a car! Bike lanes are lame.”

In the same local paper today was a story saying that a $253,000 grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health will pay for 30 to 40 miles of bike lanes along seven Cape Girardeau streets, which officials said will provide a healthy connection to the city’s parks, schools and other recreational areas.

Almost immediately, the story attracted 40 comments (and climbing), mostly from people knocking the idea. Here is a typical one: “Who commutes by bike in Cape? Last time I rode one was when I was 15. Get a car! Bike lanes are lame.”

Confine your driving to a patriotic minimum

What happened to the shared sacrifice Americans were asked to make during World War II?

Have you seen or heard anything like this on TV, radio, in print or coming out of the mouths of politicians?

“Every bit of rubber and gasoline you save on the home front is a contribution to the combat needs of our fighting men on every battle front.

“You can help hasten the day of victory by confining your driving to a patriotic minimum. Use your car only for going to and from work …for needed shopping…for war-time activities like vegetable gardening…for travel to and from places without other transportation facilities.

“Remember, your Government asks you to do your part to prevent a transportation breakdown, asks you to care for your car–for your country.”

2 Replies to “The Battle of Transportation”

  1. Cape Girardeau, MO, isn’t that Rush Limbaugh’s home town? that would explain the attitude.

  2. As long as there are Ford F-150 pickup trucks with California mirrors rolling down the road, you are always going to hear comments like:

    “Who commutes by bike in Cape? Last time I rode one was when I was 15. Get a car! Bike lanes are lame.”

    The two (cars and trucks) will never get along with bikes. Not in my zip code of 63110 that’s for sure. Get a good helmet, be observant and keep your insurance paid up if you are going to hit the road on a bike these days in my neck of the woods.

    Not until cats and dogs get married, will the relationship between car/truck drivers change towards folks who ride bikes on the roadways.

    I’m just telling you…

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