Threads in Touring involving flying and replies raising the issue of climate change

[slowster]

(Prompted by some of the discussion on this thread - viewtopic.php?t=163354.)

There have been previous threads on the subject of using/not using flights to tour abroad, the personal circumstances, choices and ethics involved, and the often significant - and sometimes insurmountable - difficulties of alternatives to flying.

What has not been discussed is whether or not it is acceptable to raise the issue of the contribution of flying to climate change in a thread started by someone who is seeking information to help them plan a tour using flights. I have therefore started this thread so that, if they wish to, members can do just that.

[Jdsk]

Thanks for asking.

Discussion of the harm caused by flying is very welcome, and we have active threads about transport policy and climate change. They can be bumped with reminders whenever it's thought appropriate.

But not in threads where someone is asking for help. It's very likely to make others want to respond and consequently to derail the thread from its purpose. And we usually won't know what other steps the OP takes to avoid harm to the planet or how important this trip is to them.

Jonathan

[PH]

I'm opposed to routinely flying, but that thread isn't asking for an opinion on that. Nether is anyone expressing their objection going to influence anyone, so it seems like trolling. But what are the mods to do? If you start policing everything that goes off topic, it'll be a full time job.

[mjr]

I'm opposed to routinely flying, but that thread isn't asking for an opinion on that. Nether is anyone expressing their objection going to influence anyone, so it seems like trolling.

I feel it seems like trolling to ever refer to flights as the "best" transport for bikes, like that topic title did. "Best bike flights" these days must be right up there with "Friendliest serial killer" as a topic title that seems to invite comments pointing out the wider drawbacks and not only the obvious ones.

The mods have not often been willing to delete replies to questions of "how do I do [bad idea]?" that basically said "don't: try [another idea] instead" and I'm not sure why bike transport should be a special case.

[simonhill]

.
I think this thread should be on the touring forum, not buried away here.


I'm a flyer.

I don't mind people commenting on threads about flying that it is bad. However this then often leads to a long discussion away from the original topic. Probably to the frustration of the OP and other people interested in that topic.

I think most people, if not all, on this forum are aware of the environmental problems of flying. So apart from reiterating a point, little is gained in the dissemination of knowledge.

I recently posted asking about travel insurance without a helmet. All was progressing nicely people contributing, people glad to hear options. Then of course a pro helmet person joined in. This led to digression and I had to write a reply as to why a helmet is not suitable for me. I know the arguements about helmets as I'm sure everyone else on that thread did. Ho hum tedious repetition or a necessary safety reminder.

I ride an 12 year old steel bike. Probably done not far short of 100,000kms. It's not a Trigger's broom as many of the components are original. I have cotton duck panniers. My touring clothes are an old shirt from the charity shop and squash shoes.

When I see someone posting about their new carbon gravel bike with its latest hi-tech gear covered in an array of the custom bags made from some form of plastic, pus an expensive computer to guide them. Riding in their latest cycle specific outfits, shedding micro fibres at each wash. Should I be criticising the waste of it all. It would surely get boorish to do so. What's more this forum is largely about 'faster, lighter, higher tech', little of which is very environmentally sound and I don't think my criticisms would be appreciated.

A bucket can be filled ny many drops.

This thread is not about the pros and cons of flying. However while it is legal and people on the forum are allowed to ask about it, then needless derailing of posts is not welcome, even if it is to be expected.

This post is not about me, I know the environmental impact of flying. However I work on a cost/benefit analysis basis. Merely flying per se cannot be taken in isolation. Sitting at home with your multi fuel stove also has consequences.

[Pebble]

The BBC, Guardian and other media keep reminding us of the link between climate change and the devastating floods in southern Spain. In fact every time there is some major weather related disaster anywhere the beeb and gronyard drone on about continuously. As we all are very well aware of this connection, should they ? those who don't care may find it tedious and boring.

[PH]

The BBC, Guardian and other media keep reminding us of the link between climate change and the devastating floods in southern Spain. In fact every time there is some major weather related disaster anywhere the beeb and gronyard drone on about continuously. As we all are very well aware of this connection, should they ? those who don't care may find it tedious and boring.

That isn't a reasonable comparison, they're telling a news story, not hi-jacking someone's question.
It's like the old gag, when someone asks for directions and they're told it's best not to start from here.

[Pebble]

The BBC, Guardian and other media keep reminding us of the link between climate change and the devastating floods in southern Spain. In fact every time there is some major weather related disaster anywhere the beeb and gronyard drone on about continuously. As we all are very well aware of this connection, should they ? those who don't care may find it tedious and boring.

That isn't a reasonable comparison, they're telling a news story, not hi-jacking someone's question.
It's like the old gag, when someone asks for directions and they're told it's best not to start from here.

or are they hijacking a news story to say and remind us of something very important, we face no greater threat at the moment that what we are doing to the climate.

we all need to consider our footprint even if we are riding a bicycle