Self-propelled travel
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Self-propelled travel is a way of travelling using only human powered transport. This includes non-motorized machines such as a bicycle or skateboard.
Self-propelled travel is used to commute short distances or even for much longer distances such as bicycle touring. It involves a conscious decision made by people who realize that self-propelled travel is environmentally sound, the ideal mode of transportation, and that it enhances quality of life at the same time.
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[edit] Definition
Self-propelled can mean one of two things:
- that one is self-propelled as soon as one engages in any locomotion even if it involves using any fossil fuel burning vehicles. For example, a person may drive by car to a trail, hike on foot and then proceed home by car.[citation needed]
- that one is only self-propelled if travelling without using any fossil fuel burning vehicles at any point.[citation needed]
Self-propulsion has been adopted by some adventurers as the new era of real adventure and exploring. A growing number of outdoor enthusiasts, such as the late Goran Kropp, Tim Harvey, and Colin Angus have achieved major feats entirely by self-propulsion. In 1995, Goran Kropp cycled from Sweden to Mount Everest base camp from which he climbed Everest. He then returned home on bicycle.[1]
The Self-propelled Outdoor Club (SPOC) has formally adopted self-propelled travel as a method for approaching mountaineering and other objectives.[2]
For some, the technological advancements of the present day are undermining challenge, comparing a helicopter ride to the top of a peak to that of getting to that same peak under one's own power. For this, advocates of self-propelled travel can be likened to luddites.[citation needed]
[edit] Debate and controversy
Debate regarding which mode of transportation qualifies as self-propelled has been ongoing. For travel on skis, the use of an assisting parachute does not qualify. This was decided by a panel which assessed the recent increase of speed by kite assisted skiers reaching the North Pole and South Pole. Similarly there are questions regarding trips which take advantage of Sailboats.[citation needed]
Critics of such hard-line definitions suggest a double standard is placed on the use of such apparatus. Other critics question using tailwinds or drafting techniques when cycling and suggest that only travel by foot or swimming qualifies.[citation needed]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Jerberyd, Per (2002). GÖRAN KROPP BIOGRAPHY. Retrieved on 2008-05-19.
- ^ The Self Propelled Outdoor Club (May 2008). The Self Propelled Outdoor Club. Retrieved on 2008-05-19.
