Monday, July 13, 2009

Two-Legged Motors for the New Motor City?

Toby Barlow proposes that as the legacy of Detroit's automobile industry crumbles, a new one- similar but distinct- may rise from the ashes. With the absence of gaz-guzzling, fast-moving, ozone-depleting cars in the city streets, an older form of transportation, the bicycle, has room to make a comeback. Barlow believes that the city is a potential hotspot for cyclists based on its ideal geography and recent drop in the number of cars. This adds up to safety, convenience, and overall enjoyment for hobbyists, not to mention a "greener" place to live. In the future, Bartow hopes that bicycle transportation in Detroit might exceed hobby status and become a way of life. Despite these dreamy propositions, I don't personally believe that Detroit is capable of such a 180 degree spin based on population drops and crime rates. If this bicycle enthusiast wishes to promote such major change, he should seek help in places other than the Op-Ed column of the newspaper: within the city council, with local law enforcement, and perhaps even with a tourism agency.

Although I have doubts of the impact this article will have on turning Detroit around, I cannot deny the artistic writing of the author. He began his piece with a personal story, instilling interest and a sense of connection in the reader. Throughout the passage, clever metaphors and witty remarks come into play, not only retaining reader interest, but also gently persuading in favor of his cause. By the end of the article, I am convinced that his ideas, albeit far-fetched, have some validity. Most of all, the article presents readers with hope that Detroit isn't falling forever, maybe just experiencing metamorphosis. My favorite parts of the article are the last two sentences because they are powerful while still containing humor and a sense of irony. Because the author ends his piece on this good note, readers are left with a positive take on his views.

No comments:

Post a Comment