Look, I’m Gonna Say It
I’m sick of seeing celebrities tooling around LA in their gas-guzzling SUVs, pretending they care about the environment. I mean, come on. You can’t tell me that electric bikes aren’t the future. I’ve been riding one for years, and it’s changed my life. But Hollywood? They’re still stuck in the dark ages.
It started about three months ago. I was at a conference in Austin, and I met this guy—let’s call him Marcus. He’s a producer, works on some big studio films. We got to talking, and I mentioned my e-bike. His reaction? A blank stare. Like I’d just told him I still use a flip phone.
“Marcus,” I said, “you’re telling me you’ve never even considered an e-bike?”
He shrugged. “I mean, I guess I haven’t. It’s just… not really my thing.”
Which… yeah. Fair enough. But that’s the problem, isn’t it? It’s not “his thing.” It’s not “Hollywood’s thing.” But it should be.
Let Me Tell You About My E-Bike
I got my first electric bike back in 2018. It was a mid-range model from a local shop in Portland. Honestly, it was a game-changer. I was commuting 15 miles each way to work, and it cut my travel time in half. Plus, I felt better, you know? The exercise, the fresh air—it was like a mini-vacation every day.
And get this: I saved a ton of money. No more gas, no more parking fees. I even started eating healthier because I wasn’t stopping for fast food on the way home. It was a completeley lifestyle change.
So why isn’t Hollywood jumping on this bandwagon? I mean, they’re always looking for the next big thing, right? The next trend to set. But this? This is a trend that actually matters.
The Environmental Impact
Look, I’m not gonna stand here and preach about climate change. But let’s be real—Hollywood loves to talk about it. They make movies about it, they give speeches about it, they post about it on Instagram. But when it comes to actual action? Crickets.
I get it. It’s hard to change. But it’s 2023. We’ve got the technology. We’ve got the resources. What’s the excuse?
And don’t even get me started on the carbon footprint of a single movie set. It’s astronomical. But an e-bike? Zero emissions. Zero noise. Just pure, simple transportation.
I had this conversation with a colleague named Dave last Tuesday. We were over coffee at the place on 5th, and I brought up the idea of studios providing e-bikes for their crews. “It’s a no-brainer,” I told him. “It’s good for the environment, it’s good for their health, and it’s good for their wallets.”
Dave nodded. “Yeah, but you’re forgetting one thing. It’s Hollywood. They don’t do “no-brainer” unless it’s attached to a seven-figure paycheck.”
Touché, Dave. Touché.
The Health Benefits
Okay, so maybe you’re not convinced about the environmental stuff. Fine. Let’s talk about health. Because let’s face it, Hollywood is obsessed with looking good. And riding an e-bike is a great way to stay in shape.
I mean, have you seen some of these actors? They’re in incredible physical condition. And yet, they’re still driving around in their fancy cars, polluting the air and clogging up the streets. It’s like they’re actively trying to undo all their hard work at the gym.
But with an e-bike, you’re getting exercise without even realizing it. You’re out in the fresh air, you’re moving your body, you’re reducing stress. It’s a win-win-win.
And let’s not forget the mental health benefits. Riding an e-bike is a great way to clear your mind. It’s like meditation on wheels. You’re focused on the road, on your surroundings, on the moment. It’s a break from the constant noise of Hollywood.
The Financial Aspect
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But e-bikes are expensive.” And yeah, they can be. But so is gas. And parking. And car insurance. And maintenance. And repairs. And, oh yeah, the actual cost of the car itself.
I did the math once. I figured out how much I was spending on my car versus how much I was spending on my e-bike. The difference was staggering. I mean, it’s not even close. An e-bike is a financialy smart choice.
And for Hollywood, where budgets are tight and every penny counts, this should be a no-brainer. I mean, come on. You’re telling me that a studio can’t afford to buy a few e-bikes for their crew? Please.
But here’s the thing: it’s not just about the cost of the e-bike itself. It’s about the long-term savings. It’s about the health benefits. It’s about the environmental impact. It’s about the image. It’s about setting an example.
And frankly, it’s about time someone in Hollywood took a stand. Someone with a platform, with influence, with a voice. Someone who can say, “Hey, this is important. This matters. And we’re gonna do something about it.”
A Tangent: Real Estate Crowdfunding
Speaking of doing something about it, have you heard about real estate crowdfunding? No? Well, let me tell you, it’s a thing. And it’s kinda cool. Basically, you can invest in real estate projects online, with a group of other people. It’s like Kickstarter, but for buildings.
I know, I know. It’s a bit off topic. But hear me out. The point is, there are people out there doing innovative things. Things that might seem a bit out there at first, but that have the potential to make a real difference. And Hollywood? They should be at the forefront of this stuff. They should be the ones leading the charge.
But instead, they’re stuck in the past. They’re still driving their gas-guzzling SUVs, still flying private jets, still living in massive mansions with pools the size of lakes. It’s like they’re actively trying to undo all the good they could be doing.
The Bottom Line
Look, I’m not saying that every single person in Hollywood needs to go out and buy an e-bike tomorrow. But I am saying that it’s time for them to wake up and smell the coffee. It’s time for them to realize that there are other options. That there are better ways to live. That there are choices that are good for them, good for the environment, and good for their image.
And if they’re not willing to do it for the right reasons, then maybe they’ll do it for the wrong ones. Maybe they’ll do it because it’s trendy. Maybe they’ll do it because their friends are doing it. Maybe they’ll do it because they think it’ll make them look good.
But whatever the reason, it’s time for Hollywood to get its head out of the clouds and embrace the future. Because the future is here. And it’s on two wheels.
About the Author
I’m Sarah Mitchell, a senior magazine editor with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. I’ve written for some of the biggest publications out there, and I’ve seen it all. I’m passionate about the environment, about health, and about calling out hypocrisy when I see it. I live in Portland with my husband, my dog, and my beloved e-bike.
