The Dreadfulness of Cars

Just a quick reflection on something I have been thinking about a lot lately…

In Richmond, British Columbia, where I have spent a lot of time the past two years, pristine public paths traverse the city. Along these paths, the residents, young, old, Chinese, white, bike, run or walk up and down the paths toward the ocean waters that surround the city. Along these paths, Richmond offers plenty of lovely nature for the mindful and intrepid traveler. Along the dikes and trails, one can see marshlands and pristine ocean views of the Pacific; birds of all kinds, including Bald Eagles; and a variety of trees and flowers springing from the meadows on mild spring days.

Richmond, you see, is an island, originally called Lulu Island. It is a small island, and within an hour or so by bike, you can reach the water. Because of this, Richmond is a special suburb, unlike any I have spent any real time within. Despite all this natural beauty, every walk, run, or bike ride when I am in Richmond is never quite as calming or serene as I might hope. The reason? Car traffic.

My many sojourns through the Richmond trail, while often mindful, often feel disturbed, by the incessant hiss of motors spurring along the many roads that run parallel to the unsullied nature all around. Stillness, you see, I have to come to realize is healing. It is one of the reasons why I am such a…