Categories: uncategorized
Date: 12 July 2005 00:44:55
I've done it. I've booked myself a driving lesson.
Argh...
It's not my first, I had a few several years ago (back in the dim and distant past...), but I didn't really get into it, and said to myself that some time I would go back to it when I really needed to. Well, now I do, and I will.
I'm not sure how I feel about it, not excited, I don't think it's likely to be something I'll enjoy. I have a feeling it's going to be more of a necessity which allows me to get from A to B rather than an enjoyable pastime. Which is fine, cos I'd like to not become too dependant on a car, and still enjoy walking places too.
One of the reasons I think we are so dependant on cars is simply that we've got used to it, and we now expect to be able to get from one place to another exactly when we want to, and we expect everyone else to do the same. We build towns and shopping centres around cars rather than people (or bikes). And,because the majority of the population can get around quickly and easily, it puts anyone without a car at a disadvantage. I spent my childhood using public transport cos my mum doesn't drive- and she still finds it hard getting to and from meetings etc for work because it's expected that you can travel anywhere easily. The other problem is that public transport is so unreliable. It's simply easier to get in a car and drive somewhere than working out the train/bus timetable, allowing for delays etc and deciding in advance when to leave. Looking at it this way, anyone would choose a car over a bus- there have been so many times standing at a bus stop in the rain that I've cursed them all and wished for a car! The problem then is a vicious circle- the publice transport system won't be improved until more people use it and money spent on it can be seen to be worthwhile, and people are (understandably) not going to choose an unreliable bus service until it can compete with the convenience of their own transport. Somewhere the chain needs to be broken, as I see it, by the government improving public transport so people will want to use it.
Until then, I shall learn anyway, and try to make sure I remember that I did manage before. And it would be nice to not always have to carry tesco shopping home on a bus, and rule out every other folk concert because it's in some far flung place where you have to change trains 3 times and leave a week beforehand! And hopefully, since this is the main aim behind it, will help me nt he way towards getting myself a job :)
Aplogies for the slight rant...