I have noticed, during the course of conversations with people around me, that they, in general, do not readily understand my love of freeways.¹⁾

Whenever I do say that – I typically express a little sigh and say “freeways are freedom!” – people give me that kind of worried look, as if I just happened to mention that kids ought to carry guns to school, or that Joseph Goebbels was a really nice guy, all things considered. I do not understand this reaction; it is as though people regard freeways as some great evil, sprung out of the necessity of urban travel, and the world would really be a much nicer place if we could all abandon them altogether and use just horse and carts instead. There are, undoubtedly, those who share those feelings to the very letter.²⁾

But, when you think about it, what could be nicer, than after a long, tedious drive on a narrow road, trying to pass some slow driver ahead, looking for that hole in the traffic ahead when you can accelerate and pass and be on your way – what could be nicer, than to suddenly see the road opening up, widen into two or more lanes in each direction; and to let the car finally stretch its legs? To let each and every driver find his own pace and merrily sail along, undisturbed and with ample place for all?

Freeways do precisely that. Away with the dull drugdery of single lanes! Away with the tedious and ineffective sharing of the road, forcing each and everyone to adjust to a common speed. No, freeways weren’t built for that – hats off to you, my merry companion on the road; for you may now drive slowly and I may drive faster, for here is room for both!

Freeways were built for easiness of travel. With no traffic lights to disturb, no intersections to avoid, the freeway arches forward through the countryscape like a great drawbridge over raging seas. Hit the cruise control and relax, my friend; we shall soon be at our destination, for here we traverse the land with swiftness and with ease.

Freeways were built for comfort – to undisturbedly roll through the countryside, and meandering like great rivers through urban landscapes; and how easy it is to find a gas station, a restaurant by the side where we can eat, or a motel for weary travelers. The freeway accomodates your every travel need; turn the steering wheel but ever so slightly onto the exit ramp, slow down to a gentle stop, and you’re conveniently parked at a welcoming Burger King or Motel 6.

Freeways have a natural place in our society. They make up the grid that allows us to travel from one end of the country to the other with supreme ease. They isolate throughbound traffic on express routes that cut right through the surroundings, and with that delightful isolation comes freedom; freedom to travel, freedom to do business, freedom to relocate to the ends of the earth and still keep in contact with old friends and family.

Or, as the Germans might put it: “Frei zu fahren – frei zu leben”. So come with me, my friend, and drive on freedom way.³⁾

¹⁾ Probably one of the best sentences I’ve ever written.

²⁾ Even in my own family.

³⁾ Yup. I’m insane.