Reply #6: Colorado is the cycling state

[Kolesar]

In the towns of Loveland and Ft Collins, they put in enough bike lanes that you could get by with a bicycle. Very good urban planning. However, I think that Colorado is the cycling state on account of bike sales which is largely the recreation of riding in the mountain countryside. Sort of like skiing--it's for fun.

The Allegheny Highlands are quite a beautiful place. I have gone there for all sorts of outdoor fun for several decades. In all honesty, the cycling there is on the rail trails and everything else is about cars. In those small towns, I suppose a few people get their stuff done just walking to the shops and jobs. The region has had a jobs deficit for a long time. Coal is cyclical and the steel industry is weak. Many young people move off for opportunity. Ironically, coal mining is resurgent in that area, which probably does not delight you.

I can say that the people I meet around there are a lot of fun and open and friendly. The Pittsburgh and Appalachian accents are entertaining and genuine.

I think the places you can get by on transit or your own locomotion are NYC, Chicago, San Francisco and Washington DC. Chicago's El train is in a state of disrepair. DC is still up and coming. Yes, there is spin off economic activity due to government spending, but my impression is that the DC Metro system has been an incredible economic engine. Nothing works like being able to get around. They also have a nice trails system. Some of it actually serves as a commuter bicycle system.

Hope this helps. I am kind of bummed hearing about the 65 acre farm. Keep your chin up.