The band Rush released the song The Trees in 1978. With lyrics by Neil Peart, the song explored the tensions between various trees in the forest, and the ultimate outcome enacted by people. I have reimagined the lyrics to explore the tensions between people walking and cycling, and the ultimate outcome enacted by people driving. With apologies to Mr. Peart…
There is unrest in the city
There is trouble with the streets
For the walkers want more comfort
And the cyclers ignore their pleas.
The trouble with the walkers
(And they’re quite convinced they’re right)
They say the cyclers are just too lofty
And they grab up all the path
But the cyclers can’t help their feelings
If they like the way they ride
And they wonder why the walkers
Can’t be happy on their walks?
There is trouble in the city
And the children all have fled
As the walkers scream ‘Oppression!’
And the cyclers, just shake their heads.
So the walkers formed a Union
And demanded equal rights
‘The cyclers are just too greedy
We will make them give us space’
Now there’s no more bicycle oppression
For they passed a noble law
And the streets are all kept equal
By car,
Truck,
And speed.