Hey Todd,

Good points about injuries. Honestly, economics of health care didn't come to our minds first and foremost when making the decision to sell the car and it should be calculated into Redflare's plans to invest in the future.

First and foremost it will be an ambulance if a situation is life threatening but we have been looking for a used utility bike big enough to carry a person or a "complete/long term" bug out. Unfortunately, I think we are going to have to buy it new...anyone who owns one seems to know its value economically, especially in the current energy situation.

We have 3 general hospitals and a university medical center within a 2 mile radius of our home so hopefully we could get to an ER without a car or ambulance if the serious injury is non-life threatening. We also have plans to update and take more advanced first aid courses. We have the basics but we need more training for greater independence. Bugging out by car in a mass evacuation from an urban area seemed to us to most likely be as slow or slower than by bike.

This only really makes sense for an urban area. The benefits may not justify the risk in rural/suburban areas. Just some thoughts.

Here is an example of a bike that would work (although 600 lbs carry capacity seems a little much): http://www.catoregon.org/hpm/trihauler.htm

P.s. Maybe we should move to Canada for the healthcare. The thought has crossed our minds. We'd hate to jump ship but...Canada has universal healthcare, larger fossil fuel reserves, growing wheat yields etc...I wonder if Canadians think the same way with the cliche of fences and green grass .