Are Bigger Trucks Killing Us?

Another video from Not Just Bikes argues that the bigger trucks and SUVs, which are ever-so-popular with American consumers, are actually quite dangerous for pedestrians and bicyclists. Where to begin? First off, yes, it is obvious that when a truck whose hood is over the height of the average person comes charging at you, the pedestrian is usually going to lose. And yes, people are not exactly responsible when it comes to driving and operating these large vehicles. I see it all the time here in Seattle. I will grant them this. However, I do take issue with their tone. Most people drive cars. Many of these new Urbanists act like everyone should be biking and walking, and we could have a world of biking and walking if only we got rid of cars. This isn’t new, either. Anti-car hate has existed since the early 1970s out of the environmentalism movement. This video is simply tone-deaf. If you want to argue for more pedestrian safety, you’re welcome to do so but don’t start from a place of worry about people who bike and walk. Don’t act as if people who bike and walk are more righteous and “better” than those who deign to drive. I swear, being car free is the “I don’t watch TV of the 2020s.” In this video, we’re going to listen to their arguments and see what all the hub bub is about.