>>>>As a matter of fact back in the 80s, in Brighton, I used to shoot around town in one of those "sit-up-and-beg" bikes, with the basket. I used to pull up at greengrocers and fill my basket from the street. Made of cast iron or something, it weighed more than the moon but DID have 3 Sturmey-Archer gears. Believe it or not, it was actually pinched from being chained to the railings of my flat.
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>>>Reminds me of when I commuted by train to work. There was a place to lock up your bike and many people used it. One of the bikes was chained through the frame, with a good strong lock. All parts except the frame were removed - the saddle, stem, crank, etc.
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>>>I felt sorry for the commuter who had left his bike at the train station. When he got off of the train after work he would discover what I had seen. It took time to strip the bike and it was out in the open for everyone to see.
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>>There are a lot of bikes here and I often see that. That's why so many bikes have quick-release wheels and saddles, etc. Seems to me they're more trouble that they're worth - imagine the junk next to your desk.
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>One of the guys here in our office rides a bike to work. He brings it up and leaves it in a storage room. He wears the helmet and the dorky outfit to ride too, and when I see him like that I never miss the chance to offer to buy him a mirror since he apparently doesn't own one.
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>In my neighbourhood, I see more and more bikes all the time. I live in an increasingly Asian area, and a lot of the immigrants are older (not aged, but older). An awful lot of them seem to ride bikes. Actually, it's kind of nice somehow - seems to give the area a more serene feel. Their influence has also made the area more walk friendly. During the summer, it's rare to go out in the evening and not meet quite a few couples also out walking.
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>You know, come to think of it, I really like my neighbourhood a lot.

That's good to hear. My St is great - very friendly - everyone knows everyone else and we chat in the st and go in and out of each other's houses, etc. Brighton has cycle lanes and many cyclists. Still too many cars though.