There's a two-page ad for Honda on the inside front cover of the May 17 issue of Time.
Across the two-page spread are pictured a scooter, a pogo stick, a skateboard, a big
wheel, and a kid's hi-rise bicycle (obviously a fun bike for kids).
The text on the first page reads
"Sure, there are cleaner vehicles than a Honda. But how long is your
The second page of text starts "If the idea of sitting in bumper-to-skateboard
traffic doesn't appeal to you, we have a better idea. In fact, several. The clean and
fuel-efficient vehicles from Honda."
They then go on to tell you how committed they are to clean air. They end up with
"You see, we've always been committed to balancing your desires for fun and
performance with society's need for cleaner air and improved fuel economy. Which can be
just about as difficult as balancing on a skateboard. With a briefcase. In a suit."
Well!! That ad just got me going. It's a direct attack on the use of bicycles as
How long is your commute? For many people, it's less than five miles--perfectly
possible to bike!
They don't tell you why using a Honda to commute would get you out of
They don't make any comparison with a bicycle an adult would use, nor do they admit
that numbers of businessfolk do take their briefcases on their bicycles. They make it
sound as if driving a Honda would be as much fun as riding a bike or skateboard--ha!!
If you'd like to respond to Honda, here's their address:..........(to be filled in when
I find it).