Bribery: The Only Solution to the Traffic Mess in the Bay Area

Bribe: something that serves to induce or influence; something valuable (such as money) that is given in order to get someone to do something.

Bribery is the only solution to the traffic situation in the Bay Area. Numerous commentators over the last weeks and months have complained about how the situation is becoming increasingly intolerable.

We live in Silicon Valley - The Bay Area. The mantra is always change the paradigm. Adopt a D-school approach. So before road rage becomes the #1 cause of heart attacks on roads throughout the Bay Area, it is time to try something different!

I recommend that major companies take a page out of their tuition reimbursement programs and give employees $100 per month for two years if they ride their bike at least four days per week to work.

Why this time and why this amount? There needs to be a long-term solution to the excessive number of cars with single occupants. Having a program that lasts for only a few months will not significantly change behaviors. Anyone who's been on a diet will know that you do not drop 50 pounds in two months. The traffic gridlock in the Bay Area at virtually all times of the day, and sometimes the night, is much worse than just a 50 pound potbelly.

Why this amount? Data from around the country shows that about 5% of the commuter population are hard-core bike riders. About one third of all commuters will never get on a bike. That leaves 60+% that will consider riding a bike if it is safe and they don't perspire.

 In the Bay Area, many jurisdictions are adding protected bike lanes. The City of San Jose has ambitious plans to increase bicycle ridership over the next years and deserves to be applauded for their efforts. San Francisco is doing a similar job. That covers a big part of the safety issue.

Rapid progress is being made in the area of electric assist bikes, commonly known as e–bikes. These bikes are increasingly at price points that people can afford, particularly if they get a $2400 subsidy. It is like getting a super cool bike for free. You travel 20 miles an hour and don't perspire. You go down the bike lane smiling and waving at all the car drivers stuck in traffic. Red lights become a chance to chat with other cyclists.

One of the best bikes out there for commuters is Yuba Bikes elBODABODA. https://yubabikes.com/boda-boda/elbodaboda I have no financial interest in the company but have been impressed at their continuous product improvement programs over the last several years. The elBODABODA gets great range, carries up to 350 pounds, and is able to go on Caltrain with no problem. Particularly for a commuter, whether you're wearing pants or a skirt, the step through design makes it easy to get on and off gracefully. You also can carry all your groceries, even if you shop at Costco.

If you want to make this process beneficial not just to the individual but also to charitable organizations, have your company sign up with Plus3Network, https://www.plus3network.com/, so that your cycling to and from work benefits a charity. This company connects individual wellness with corporate philanthropy, so employees can bring their best every day, for themselves and for the causes they believe in.

$100 per month for two years has the potential to drastically reduce the traffic mess in the Bay Area, increase the health of tens of thousands of individuals, increase awareness of the built environment by regular people, and “butterfly effect” stimulate good feelings among all people in the Bay Area from endorphin charged employees.

Bribery – it's the only solution!