Amishman: Why We Don't Fly...or Ride Bikes (& 2 Exceptions)

[@bradfordbrucker]

Having grandparents from New Hampshire and Pennsylvania, and who lived through the depression, I see this decision making process based on frugality and humility. => If there is a cheaper and simpler way to do it, this is the best. It may take longer to travel by bus than by airplane, but who are you to spend extra money to do something quicker. They also fixed things rather than buy new, which not only saved money, but showed others that they were ingenious and inspired and had a strong work ethic. They had quite a bit of "prepper" theology as well. If the rest of the world went away, how would our community survive, unless we were self-sufficient in all matters. => Bicycles have gears and chains, which are very difficult to make by hand, scooters are just two wheels on a board. My grandmother loved the Amish and marveled at their creativity. She grew up on a farm => so healthy to eat your food from where it was grown. (I love your channel - thank you!) Note: In World War 2, it was the Midwest farmer boys that figured out how to convert Sherman Tanks into bulldozers, so as to plow through the French hedgerows and conquer the Germans hiding behind them.

[@geoffoutdoors]

Holmes County Amish community here... i see the pine craft rentals in the Budget quite often.

[@brucestorey917]

An Amish friend of mine, who happens to be an ex-employer of Ben’s son, told me the reason for scooters versus bicycles is because scooters keep you more in touch with earth because you need to push the scooter with your feet on the ground. I know that right now, at least in Salisbury Township, Lancaster County, the churches are struggling with the some of the non-baptized youth using battery-powered scooters as a loophole. I am seeing it more every day, but as the children of Baptized Amish parents, they are given some slack - they are not yet Amish. I have yet to see an Amish adult riding a battery-powered scooter, but I do occasionally see some older Amish riding electric wheelchair-type scooters - on the sides of roads! But, they generally have tall orange flags so they can be seen by vehicles. However, when the corn is high around here, those flags just aren’t tall enough. People who live here tend to keep in mind that there might very well be a “slow-moving vehicle” around a blind corner (which are everywhere) or on the other side of a hill - except for those irresponsible English kids with their souped-up Japanese cars and most of the tourists. It is now tourist season here, which is a very dangerous time for all of the Amish who take to the roads in their scooters, wheelchairs, buggies and carriages, etc.

[@jeffe9842]

When riding in buggies, Amish aren't in touch with the Earth.

[@brucestorey917]

@@jeffe9842 They are because there is no rubber insulating them from the ground.

[@brucestorey917]

As a relative addition to my previous comment, one morning I went to Ben’s house to pick up his son for work at around 5:00am. The road was closed by the fire department on my approach to their house. I detoured around to get to Ben’s house only to find I was still blocked from getting there. The reason for the road closure was, that at about 3:00am, a drunk Englishman had hit and run a carriage right in front of Ben’s house. The teenage driver and the horse were killed. But Ben’s family sprung to action when they heard the collision and went out to help. One of Ben’s sons is an EMT, but there was nothing that could be done for the poor “Amish” teenager who was on his way home from his girlfriend’s house. Ben’s family and others living nearby were instrumental with information to help the police chase-down and find the hit-and-run drunk driver who they eventually caught in the Shady Maple parking lot. Erik, maybe, one day, you could do a video about how involved the Amish are with the fire department. So few people have any idea of what the Amish do for the entire community. So few people have any idea that almost all VOLUNTEER firemen in Lancaster County are Amish, or the children of Amish. I know Ben could really help you out with this one.

[@kimfleury]

Erik has mentioned this at least in passing in previous videos. But a more detailed discussion on it would be interesting.

[@AmishAmerica]

Thanks Bruce great idea for a future topic to ask Ben about. Ben has mentioned this incident outside their home. Fortunately the person pled guilty so that the girlfriend did not need to testify. Very sad

[@Tall_Order]

I don't understand why bikes are off limits. It's not even technology (regular bikes anyway). It's a chain on a gear. Amish Clothes Lines are similar (Rope on a Pulley).

[@vernerulmet2290]

He in essence said it was a rich person’s toy in essence it’s too flashy for the non flashy type of life they are supposed to live.

[@Tall_Order]

@@vernerulmet2290 Maybe in the early days it was, but these days you can buy a bicycle for under a hundred bucks at Walmart.

[@AmishAmerica]

This adds to Ben's explanation: amishamerica.com/why-do-amish-ride-scooters-but-not-bicycles/

[@catreader9733]

I have heard this explanation from one Amish source: the origins of the bicycle was strictly for recreation by idle English and it was an expensive, showy plaything. So it didn't belong in Amish life. . Even though many English at later times have used them for basic transportation, the origin story stuck; there has been no reason to change. I never asked why, then, were scooters acceptable, but I recall that in their early days, scooter-style vehicles were used by children and adults for transportation and some recreation. They were not particularly expensive and many were home-built. At the Amish school near where my parents retired, the children all rode scooters, drove buggies or carts, or walked. Over time, the horses have steadily decreased and the scooters increased.

[@frankducett9]

The Amish here in Indiana generally stick to old style technologies, from the 1800's. I have brought several bikes to the Montgomery, In. AMISH store, sort of a Goodwill.

[@uzeela]

So interesting Erik... thanks for uploads

[@SpiderC-666]

I did an Amish Tour last year in Lancaster, PA. The driver revealed, Amish here are millionaires.

[@mq5276]

Our Amish landlord is one of them. For real!

[@em4steam896]

I would say for flying it could be because flying requires a photo ID at the airport and the other types of transportation doesn't.

[@CentralVirginian1]

It's my understanding that Amtrak does require an ID now.

[@robynhigginbotham6468]

I am not Amish, but I love Yoder’s in Sarasota!!!! My sister, lives outside of Sarasota and took us to the restaurant. Amazing food!!!!

[@chrislee1096]

I’m not Amish and I don’t fly

[@Lost_AtSea_]

Many years ago while I was delivering pizzas, I made a delivery to the Marriott in Scottsdale, AZ. To my surprise, a young Amish couple answered the door and they had like four infant kids in the room with them. I was blown away to see them in Arizona! They had to of come by plane.

[@susanschuck8124]

Fascinating video!Thank you!

[@ronr3656]

They certainly ride bikes in Holmes County, and electric bikes at that! Yes, I know there is a wide range of Amish and Mennonite in Holmes County and I'm sure they don't all ride bikes but I see a lot of them there.

[@AmishAmerica]

They sure do. Ben was talking about his community (Lancaster County). It's one of the puzzling things for people since they are around as progressive with tech as many Amish in Holmes County. But still mostly stick to scooters, while Holmes has bikes and e-bikes as you note. Although, some Amish in Lancaster Co. are using e-scooters. Here's more on the scooter question: amishamerica.com/why-do-amish-ride-scooters-but-not-bicycles/

[@ivanscott2367]

This jogged my memory about Anabaptist economic lifestyles. Where I live in Michigan there are 4 or 5 Amish communities close by and a thriving Mennonite presence. I've asked my Amish travel clients about this and especially my Mennonite friends. I agree and understand whole heartedly the stances on what is/isn't work, what circumstances allow retirement, vacations ect. What I've asked is, with technology usage being VERY carefully considered and manual labor being valued, why are there no Anabaptist fishing companies, no Anabaptist living a MUCH more primitive near hunter-gatherer economic lifestyle? I've been told that's why there are absolutely NO Anabaptist affiliated communities in Northern Canada or Alaska. I would appreciate and love for you to address this in a video.

[@CentralVirginian1]

Flying gets a person around faster and farther than other forms of transportation, which would tend to cause unnecessary separation from community if used for non-essential purposes.

[@Ironvalleylarry]

We have e-bikes in Ohio it’s terrible to try to pass one on the hills. Up hill they go slow downhill they travel at break neck speed.

[@rowaystarco]

Pass a bike like you would pass a car, if not it is not safe. There are so many examples for bikers being pushed out/struck because the cars try to fit in the same lane.

[@jebbthetrainkid1281]

Go out to Amish Country in Ohio and all you see is Bicycles everywhere.

[@AmishAmerica]

Yes as mentioned in other replies, Ben is talking about Lancaster County here (not all Amish). They are "high-tech" for the Amish, but still stick with scooters. That's the mystery :) More here: amishamerica.com/why-do-amish-ride-scooters-but-not-bicycles/

[@SantaFe19484]

For a future video: Is there a way that an Amish could use a CPAP if they needed to, or would they have to settle for a mouth guard?

[@AmishAmerica]

I asked Ben your CPAP question and it is in the Full Episode #3 (Part one). In a nutshell - yes in general they would be able to. In a plainer group maybe less likely. www.patreon.com/posts/ben-erik-show-3-103381069

[@mq5276]

Speaking of medical issues, I know a young Amish woman who had a kidney transplant. Her brother-in-law had stem cell treatments for an illness. I was surprised at both of those!

[@CentralVirginian1]

@@AmishAmerica Interesting to me as use CPAP for central apnea so a mouth guard wouldn't help. My machine can be battery powered, run on DC, which I'd have to do if the power goes out.

[@vernerulmet2290]

Do they use chamber pots during the winter or at night?

[@CentralVirginian1]

Not sure about the Amish, but most folks Ive known who lived in old farm houses without indoor plumbing used some version of an indoor arrangementmto avoid having to go outside in the cold or dark. Some families used bedside commodes in a closet in the house, like a bathroom without plumbing. The Amish likely have similar arrangements. Running water and therefore flush toilets can work without electricity in various ways, such as gravity fed spring water if the spring is enough up hill from the house, and there is a high enough flow rate.

[@bnotconformed7107]

Being separate take sacrifice.

[@Colorado_Native]

What are you trying to say?

[@shirleyherschberger568]

He needs to come to Sarasota!! We see LOTS of youth & families here too!! He is right on 1 point, it gets very crowded in winter season with people blocking streets which makes it frustrating for us who need to get to work, etc!😏

[@kimfleury]

😂 I live in a summer resort region. I know about trying to get to work on time in vacation season. We also have to cross rivers that are transited by sailboats and large motor boats. Drawbridges galore around here! It helped some when the drawbridge authority implemented standard times for raising the bridges, but the line of boats waiting for the bridge to raise can get really long, which in turn causes street traffic to back up for blocks.

[@rosamanor14]

I was raised Amish,we had bikes,phones,and many more things that other Amish settlements didn't agree on having. Not all Amish settlements are the same.🙂

[@KCH55]

I have never flown in my life. It's not a religious reason. I haven't had a vacation in like 20 years. Also not for religious reasons. I wonder how they're going to feel about high-speed rail. We will eventually get high speed rail. We'll eventually get that. They'll be like wow! There are a lot more people riding the trains. I'm just hoping they bring back more Amtrak lines, I'm glad that we have brightline. It's truly a shame how we let our train network go like it has, North America.

[@180pottery]

Many of the Amish here in Illinois use bikes. Or perhaps they are Mennonite? I wonder if they will ever be allowed to use Ebikes especially if powered by solar?

[@AmishAmerica]

No you are right - bikes are okay there with the Amish, if you mean Arthur. Nice flat land for easy riding!

[@180pottery]

@@AmishAmerica yes in Arthur. I see many down there with carts attached and some 3 wheelers with large baskets on the back.

[@KCH55]

I would imagine that planes, were at once viewed as luxury. Because historically, that's what they used to be up until the end of the jet age.

[@nhmooytis7058]

These days not flying is only common sense!

[@m39fan]

I have no idea what you are talking about when saying no bicycles. The Ohio statehouse is looking at regulating bicycles/electric bicycles because the Amish are using them so much that they are causing traffic issues in certain areas. They are also all over Florida!

[@kimfleury]

Bicycles are included in traffic laws in every State already. I'm old and learned it in Driver's Ed in high school. Even before dedicated bike lanes got popular, automobile drivers had to give the right of way to bicycles on the road, bicyclists were to ride on the far right of the lane traveling with traffic (even on one way streets), and where it's not possible to ride a bicycle on the far right of the road, automobile drivers have to bear with it and drive extremely slowly until the lanes open up. We don't need no stinkin' new laws. People should just learn the ones that are already on the books.

[@kimfleury]

P.S. Every Amish community determines its own rules. Some of them permit bicycles, others don't. Ben's community doesn't.

[@AmishAmerica]

Ben is talking about his community, Lancaster County PA. Yes bikes are seen in many other communities. The point is that Lancaster County is among the most progressive when it comes to tech in general. But, still they mostly stick to scooters (though some are getting motors, as another comment notes). That's what puzzles a lot of people. More here: amishamerica.com/why-do-amish-ride-scooters-but-not-bicycles/

[@markswishereatsstuff2500]

I can't wrap my head around not using technology. The Amish would appear like tech wizards to people two thousand years ago. What if in the quasi-distant future, there was a group of people who only drove SUVs, gas or other energy source on tires that wear out and using keyboard operated visual interfaces when everyone else is Star Trek transporter beaming around themselves and information. Heck, I'm sure way back when, there were people against using animal technology because that's what those crazy kids were doing.

[@deedieducati2272]

I think they don't want to fly because God never made us to fly, if He did we'd have wings.

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

The amish, trying to b so holy with all their restrictions, completely miss/ignore Colossians 2, making rules where there ARE NO RULES, demanding all their tribe bend to these nonsensical rules. IF Christ came to live among us today, He wd b using all forms of travel and communication that most of us now use.

[@CentralVirginian1]

I don't see the Amish culture as their attempt to be "holier than thou." In general the point is for each church to have a consensus as to what specific life style that works for them, like every family has its own culture and things they do and things they don't do. Outsiders tend to perceive the Amish religion consists of their choice of clothes and lack of technology, but it is not. The religion is doctrine based on their understanding of Christianity based on the Bible, and is about honesty, humility, service, family, ten commandments, etc. Some things may be restricted, but the technology foregone leaves room in their lives for some valuable things.

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

@@CentralVirginian1 their severe restrictions turns off any would b seekers of God, which should b their first calling, to attract and evangelize, instead theyre doing the opposite over ridiculous rules that have NO biblical basis.

[@bliitzin_diitz]

🇵🇸 🇵🇸 🇵🇸 🇵🇸 🇵🇸 🇵🇸 🇵🇸 🇵🇸 🇵🇸

[@EmilyS-gk3st]

Palestine has nothing to do with the Amish. Could you please keep that where it's appropriate? If you are actually from there (edit to clarify Palestine), I apologize. There has been a political movement behind what's been going on over in the middle east that has been all over the internet, and I'm getting tired of seeing it.