The New Year’s Resolution That Changed My Life

[@jonathonalsop2120]

Great to hear!

[@mnveloguy]

@@jonathonalsop2120 thanks for watching!

[@jeremyyork3538]

I enjoyed that. Apart from the high purchase price, what do you think is the reason why there are still so few velomobiles on the road?

[@mnveloguy]

@@jeremyyork3538 thanks for watching. I think it’s partly because people don’t know they exist, partly people don’t recognize the value in comparison to the price, and partly that not everyone is open to bucking the popular choice of an upright bike. I don’t mind being the odd one out. I’ll take the comfort and efficiency of a velomobile any day over another type of bike.

[@jeremyyork3538]

@@mnveloguy Yes, that makes sense to me, thanks. The idea of being different just doesn't suit many people - they'd rather just 'blend in' with the crowd. I'm like you, I don't mind being different. The only downside is the extra attention a velomobile gets but this is not a problem for me most of the time. On a positive note, an encounter with (or even just a sighting of) a velomobile brings joy and smiles to members of the public who've never seen one before. Most assume it's electric and not pedal powered and strangely enough, some seem less impressed when they discover this! I have a feeling that velomobiles will remain a fairly niche option for most. Having ridden in a group of roadies quite often, I learned that most riders didn't like it and only a few on them were interested enough to ask me questions about it. I surmised that this attitude was down to group think/behaviour because some roadies were prepared to show more interest when they weren't with the club. I wish you well with your dealership.

[@mnveloguy]

@ thanks for the well wishes. I agree group think is a big part of it. I’ve done some large organized rides here in Minnesota with a friend of mine. We rode with the front group this last time. I thought certainly at least one of them would be interested in Velomobiles enough to come for a test ride, but no. Not a single one. A lot of people just aren’t willing to try something new. So that is something to work with when we discuss marketing. How to make something different feel comfortable, attractive, and mainstream. Velomobiles offer so much happiness and utility. We just have to keep working to emphasize this.

[@jeremyyork3538]

@@mnveloguy Thanks. I was pleased to hear that you too have experienced the typical roadie mentality and for this reason, I'd be tempted to focus elsewhere. Roadies are roadies because of the group mentality and velonauts tend to be individuals. I think there are many commuters who'd benefit immensely from using a velomobile. In your shoes, I'd put together a video extolling these benefits and send the video to all your local businesses (initially) and then further afield if you get a positive response. Having just read your article in Velomobile World (very impressive), I'm sure your own story will echo well with others. However, one of the most poignant comments in the article you wrote was the increasing tendency for motorists being distracted - more often than not by using their mobile phone. You can turn your velo into a beacon of light but if the motorist isn't looking, you've no chance. What can we do about that Ben?

[@mnveloguy]

@ I think talking to the younger people you know, especially teenagers just learning to drive, is the best way to encourage people to be aware when driving. I talk a lot to my students about my experience riding, especially when there is a close call. Because they know and respect me, they listen to what I say. I think if all of us as cyclists did this we could really help to improve the driving situation. The other possibility is to push the government to enact strict laws disabling use of cellphones when driving so that they can only be used in an emergency or by passengers. How this would be implemented is a good question, but it may be the only other way to combat the problem.

[@robmoery4964]

So will a bank finance one of these?

[@mnveloguy]

@@robmoery4964 depends on the bank. I think some would be willing to. Best way to find out is to contact some banks.