Comments on: Ad Nauseam: State Farm on the Humiliation of Biking to Work http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/ Covering the New York City Streets Renaissance Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:07:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Gashat http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/comment-page-2/#comment-301499 Gashat Sun, 04 Dec 2011 04:32:00 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/#comment-301499 All these State Farm ads including my most hated Jenn and Jerry commercials SUCK.I didn't know they were marketing for 3 year olds All these State Farm ads including my most hated Jenn and Jerry commercials SUCK.I didn’t know they were marketing for 3 year olds

]]> By: Auto Insurance By State http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/comment-page-2/#comment-206231 Auto Insurance By State Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:54:19 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/#comment-206231 Auto Insurance By State We collected detailed information about auto insurance law, rates and companies in each US state. Please click on on your state in order to find out more about auto insurance rates, law and companies in your state. Auto Insurance By State
We collected detailed information about auto insurance law, rates and companies in each US state. Please click on on your state in order to find out more about auto insurance rates, law and companies in your state.

]]> By: Cap'n Transit http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/comment-page-2/#comment-66099 Cap'n Transit Wed, 08 Apr 2009 03:47:11 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/#comment-66099 <blockquote>What if I say I was considering riding my bike to work, but after seeing all the negativity and paranoia in this blog I decided I should just not associate with this?</blockquote> I'd say you were an idiot. You should bike to work (or not) based on convenience and your personal priorities, not on the negativity and paranoia (or lack thereof) on some advocacy blog. Sheesh.

What if I say I was considering riding my bike to work, but after seeing all the negativity and paranoia in this blog I decided I should just not associate with this?

I’d say you were an idiot. You should bike to work (or not) based on convenience and your personal priorities, not on the negativity and paranoia (or lack thereof) on some advocacy blog. Sheesh.

]]> By: David M http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/comment-page-2/#comment-66097 David M Wed, 08 Apr 2009 03:20:54 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/#comment-66097 OK... so not only does the Director of Marketing Communication for the largest insurer write, explain and appologize for the fact that someone may have been offended, but he discussed your concerns with the company, and the add was pulled off... and there's still all this negativity around here. What if I say I was considering riding my bike to work, but after seeing all the negativity and paranoia in this blog I decided I should just not associate with this? I'm not saying that is the case, but that's the behavior you are portraying by talking about cancelling insurance with State Farm, or any other company for that matter, because of what you interpreted from that commercial. You have to consider that when this commercial was aired the gas prices were going up through the roof, and daily commuters were looking for alternatives to get to work. I can clearly see that this was the situation the character in this commercial was in. Not a daily official biker like you, but someone who probably rode his car day by day and decided to ride his bike to save on gas. Co workers were not necesarily putting him down, but surprised that he was riding his bike. What shocked me the most, was when someone responded: "and I'm not impressed by State Farm hosting a few bike safety rodeos for kids. How about education adult customers on how to interact with bicycles on the road, implementing drastic rate hikes after drivers have at-fault collisions with cyclists, cancelling the policy if they kill a cyclist" That just shows the negativity rather constructive discussion. The bad guy is the bad guy no matter what because I say so. Just a humble and respectful opinion from an outside reader that just happened to run into this blog!!! OK… so not only does the Director of Marketing Communication for the largest insurer write, explain and appologize for the fact that someone may have been offended, but he discussed your concerns with the company, and the add was pulled off… and there’s still all this negativity around here. What if I say I was considering riding my bike to work, but after seeing all the negativity and paranoia in this blog I decided I should just not associate with this? I’m not saying that is the case, but that’s the behavior you are portraying by talking about cancelling insurance with State Farm, or any other company for that matter, because of what you interpreted from that commercial. You have to consider that when this commercial was aired the gas prices were going up through the roof, and daily commuters were looking for alternatives to get to work. I can clearly see that this was the situation the character in this commercial was in. Not a daily official biker like you, but someone who probably rode his car day by day and decided to ride his bike to save on gas. Co workers were not necesarily putting him down, but surprised that he was riding his bike. What shocked me the most, was when someone responded:

“and I’m not impressed by State Farm hosting a few bike safety rodeos for kids. How about education adult customers on how to interact with bicycles on the road, implementing drastic rate hikes after drivers have at-fault collisions with cyclists, cancelling the policy if they kill a cyclist”

That just shows the negativity rather constructive discussion. The bad guy is the bad guy no matter what because I say so.

Just a humble and respectful opinion from an outside reader that just happened to run into this blog!!!

]]> By: Change NOW http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/comment-page-2/#comment-54413 Change NOW Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:57:42 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/#comment-54413 GEICO blackmailed me when I had them, I switched, they kept charging me AFTER THE NEW AGENT CALLED THEM AND FAXED THEM PAPERWORK; GEICO didn't care...and then sent to a collection agency to force me to pay WHEN I AM ALREADY COVERED BY ANOTHER INSURANCE COMPANY (NOT STATE FARM)..... a month later, I began receiving weekly adverts from GEICO....telling me to "come back to GEICO"....and have gotten these nonstop since, even when calling them and telling them to stop sending them......are these companies insane????? GEICO blackmailed me when I had them, I switched, they kept charging me AFTER THE NEW AGENT CALLED THEM AND FAXED THEM PAPERWORK; GEICO didn’t care…and then sent to a collection agency to force me to pay WHEN I AM ALREADY COVERED BY ANOTHER INSURANCE COMPANY (NOT STATE FARM)…..

a month later, I began receiving weekly adverts from GEICO….telling me to “come back to GEICO”….and have gotten these nonstop since, even when calling them and telling them to stop sending them……are these companies insane?????

]]> By: Change NOW http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/comment-page-2/#comment-54412 Change NOW Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:54:26 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/#comment-54412 That being said, I pull over if somebody is tailgating, even if they are way over the speed limit. I don't like when I have to follow somebody who shouldn't even be driving going 30 in a 55 but realize also our govt. won't support any trains or alternative transportation or Smart Growth....rural areas are dying......and it is govt's fault.... I applaud a base gas price at perhaps $4.00 and then only tax it above this price, but it is very depressing that govt. has to force people to use their brains, since they don't have any common sense or forethought....we are basically chimpanzees.....s h i t t i n g in our own house and then attacking others...... if everybody capable of biking a few miles to the store or work, and then only driving farther distances, everybody would be in better shape, people would get along more as you can't avoid people on a bike.....and oil would be cheaper and we could more time to transition to wind/solar....without the inevitable "peak oil" crisis.....which is now destined to occur....or is now occurring....according to the theory.... That being said, I pull over if somebody is tailgating, even if they are way over the speed limit. I don’t like when I have to follow somebody who shouldn’t even be driving going 30 in a 55 but realize also our govt. won’t support any trains or alternative transportation or Smart Growth….rural areas are dying……and it is govt’s fault….

I applaud a base gas price at perhaps $4.00 and then only tax it above this price, but it is very depressing that govt. has to force people to use their brains, since they don’t have any common sense or forethought….we are basically chimpanzees…..s h i t t i n g in our own house and then attacking others……

if everybody capable of biking a few miles to the store or work, and then only driving farther distances, everybody would be in better shape, people would get along more as you can’t avoid people on a bike…..and oil would be cheaper and we could more time to transition to wind/solar….without the inevitable “peak oil” crisis…..which is now destined to occur….or is now occurring….according to the theory….

]]> By: Change NOW http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/comment-page-2/#comment-54411 Change NOW Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:47:45 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/#comment-54411 I bike in the city, but for commuting 20 miles to work, I ride a scooter which gets 96 mpg...approximately....it is not carbon free, but we don't yet have electric scooters in my region..... people here are quite friendly about it and very understanding, and I have since seen more and more.... down south I wouldn't try this and would most likely get cursed out by an SUV or truck driver or just ran over....they are very backwards in the Deep South....i.e. red state.....except for the "college towns" and a few islands of intelligent thought....amid a sea of ignorance....I hope this changes...for the better..... I bike in the city, but for commuting 20 miles to work, I ride a scooter which gets 96 mpg…approximately….it is not carbon free, but we don’t yet have electric scooters in my region…..

people here are quite friendly about it and very understanding, and I have since seen more and more….

down south I wouldn’t try this and would most likely get cursed out by an SUV or truck driver or just ran over….they are very backwards in the Deep South….i.e. red state…..except for the “college towns” and a few islands of intelligent thought….amid a sea of ignorance….I hope this changes…for the better…..

]]> By: Schiekster http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/comment-page-2/#comment-51551 Schiekster Sat, 07 Jun 2008 06:52:41 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/#comment-51551 Cycling in any form is meant to be an athletic, peaceful, enjoyable experience. Let it be that. Could State Farm advertise differently...yes. Is it a conspiracy against us cyclists...No. Life is too short. Stop. Cycling in any form is meant to be an athletic, peaceful, enjoyable experience. Let it be that. Could State Farm advertise differently…yes. Is it a conspiracy against us cyclists…No.
Life is too short. Stop.

]]> By: JB http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/comment-page-2/#comment-50075 JB Wed, 14 May 2008 06:46:02 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/#comment-50075 Too bad this ad was yanked. I was just about to utilize it in a discussion of how sad and pathetic our country has become: friends of mine (unfortunately enough) laughed, yes, LAUGHED at this horrid advertisement, completely brain-washed by the bullshit car culture that pervades out national consciousness and that is promoted and perpetuated by companies like your friendly, neighborhood State Farm. Too bad this ad was yanked. I was just about to utilize it in a discussion of how sad and pathetic our country has become: friends of mine (unfortunately enough) laughed, yes, LAUGHED at this horrid advertisement, completely brain-washed by the bullshit car culture that pervades out national consciousness and that is promoted and perpetuated by companies like your friendly, neighborhood State Farm.

]]> By: JB http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/comment-page-2/#comment-50074 JB Wed, 14 May 2008 06:45:47 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/#comment-50074 Too bad this ad was yanked. I was just about to utilize it in a discussion of how sad and pathetic our country has become: friends of my (unfortunately enough) laughed, yes, LAUGHED at this horrid advertisement, completely brain-washed by the bullshit car culture that pervades out national consciousness and that is promoted and perpetuated by companies like your friendly, neighborhood State Farm. Too bad this ad was yanked. I was just about to utilize it in a discussion of how sad and pathetic our country has become: friends of my (unfortunately enough) laughed, yes, LAUGHED at this horrid advertisement, completely brain-washed by the bullshit car culture that pervades out national consciousness and that is promoted and perpetuated by companies like your friendly, neighborhood State Farm.

]]> By: João Lacerda http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/comment-page-1/#comment-48638 João Lacerda Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:35:33 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/#comment-48638 They've removed the ad! Did anybody save it elsewhere? They’ve removed the ad!

Did anybody save it elsewhere?

]]> By: HowardNYC http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/comment-page-1/#comment-48347 HowardNYC Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:45:16 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/#comment-48347 hey, State Farm, buy a vowel... suggest: let's kick 'em in the wallet... better yet, beat down the marketing department by targetting State Farm with direct, explicit requests of "DO NOT CONTACT ME" ... in addition to them seeing all those names assocaited with a dumb ad, they will lose all that time and labor to handling the 'paperwork' associated with taking people out of their marketing databases... and if they refuse/fail/ignore your request, we got some black letter laws to organize a class-action lawsuit... hey, State Farm, buy a vowel... hey, State Farm, buy a vowel…

suggest: let’s kick ‘em in the wallet… better yet, beat down the marketing department by targetting State Farm with direct, explicit requests of “DO NOT CONTACT ME” … in addition to them seeing all those names assocaited with a dumb ad, they will lose all that time and labor to handling the ‘paperwork’ associated with taking people out of their marketing databases… and if they refuse/fail/ignore your request, we got some black letter laws to organize a class-action lawsuit…

hey, State Farm, buy a vowel…

]]> By: dokein http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/comment-page-1/#comment-48232 dokein Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:27:13 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/#comment-48232 Oh, and I'm not impressed by State Farm hosting a few bike safety rodeos for kids. How about education adult customers on how to interact with bicycles on the road, implementing drastic rate hikes after drivers have at-fault collisions with cyclists, cancelling the policy if they kill a cyclist. Oh, and I’m not impressed by State Farm hosting a few bike safety rodeos for kids. How about education adult customers on how to interact with bicycles on the road, implementing drastic rate hikes after drivers have at-fault collisions with cyclists, cancelling the policy if they kill a cyclist.

]]> By: dokein http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/comment-page-1/#comment-48231 dokein Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:20:40 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/#comment-48231 I might be annoyed by this if commercial I dumped State Farm years ago, or if I actually let commercials affect my spending decisions. Whenever I hear commericals saying how much their average employee saves by switching to X Brand Auto Insurance, I interpret that as "Most people weren't willing switch and put up with out lousy service for any less than this much money." I might be annoyed by this if commercial I
dumped State Farm years ago, or if I actually let commercials affect my spending decisions. Whenever I hear commericals saying how much their average employee saves by switching to X Brand Auto Insurance, I interpret that as “Most people weren’t willing switch and put up with out lousy service for any less than this much money.”

]]> By: Tim Van Hoof http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/comment-page-1/#comment-48148 Tim Van Hoof Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:52:55 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/#comment-48148 As I mentioned in an earlier comment, I am sorry the advertisement offended anyone. Our intention with this particular ad was to recognize and empathize with the everyday challenge of high gas prices, and suggest that State Farm could help by providing lower auto insurance rates than a person may be receiving from their current provider. But clearly we have heard your concerns. In fact, we take very seriously each letter, email and blog comment we receive. During the past few days, I discussed the perception of this advertisement with others at State Farm, and we decided the right thing to do would be to discontinue it. We will remove this ad as quickly as possible from the current rotation schedule. Please know that State Farm is very concerned about doing what we can to improve the health, safety and environment in our communities. For example, in numerous states, employees can earn up to $1.50 a day by ridesharing, walking, or riding a bike to work. We also have more than 1,200 employees participating in van pooling throughout the country. State Farm has also been a supporter of bicycle safety through the thousands of bicycle rodeos we’ve held for children throughout the US and Canada. We remain open to discussion about how State Farm might partner with the bicycling community in the future. We value direct consumer input as we make decisions about our advertising messages and safety programs. As a mutual company with no stockholders, we work hard to be good stewards of our policyholders’ money. For more information about State Farm, go to statefarm.com http://www.statefarm.com/about/csr/csr.asp or talk to a local State Farm agent. Thank you, Tim Van Hoof Director of Marketing Communications State Farm As I mentioned in an earlier comment, I am sorry the advertisement offended anyone. Our intention with this particular ad was to recognize and empathize with the everyday challenge of high gas prices, and suggest that State Farm could help by providing lower auto insurance rates than a person may be receiving from their current provider.

But clearly we have heard your concerns. In fact, we take very seriously each letter, email and blog comment we receive.

During the past few days, I discussed the perception of this advertisement with others at State Farm, and we decided the right thing to do would be to discontinue it. We will remove this ad as quickly as possible from the current rotation schedule.

Please know that State Farm is very concerned about doing what we can to improve the health, safety and environment in our communities.

For example, in numerous states, employees can earn up to $1.50 a day by ridesharing, walking, or riding a bike to work. We also have more than 1,200 employees participating in van pooling throughout the country.

State Farm has also been a supporter of bicycle safety through the thousands of bicycle rodeos we’ve held for children throughout the US and Canada. We remain open to discussion about how State Farm might partner with the bicycling community in the future.

We value direct consumer input as we make decisions about our advertising messages and safety programs. As a mutual company with no stockholders, we work hard to be good stewards of our policyholders’ money.

For more information about State Farm, go to statefarm.com http://www.statefarm.com/about/csr/csr.asp or talk to a local State Farm agent.

Thank you,
Tim Van Hoof
Director of Marketing Communications
State Farm

]]> By: Greg Cantori http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/comment-page-1/#comment-48107 Greg Cantori Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:27:35 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/#comment-48107 We are about to ask State Farm to partner with us on Pace Car, a program where drivers sign a pledge to drive the speed limit making the streets safer for themselves and everyone around them. Perhaps they can offer discounts to Pace Car drivers as I've rarely heard "going too slow was a factor in the accident" Here's hoping..... Greg Cantori President - One Less Car We are about to ask State Farm to partner with us on Pace Car, a program where drivers sign a pledge to drive the speed limit making the streets safer for themselves and everyone around them. Perhaps they can offer discounts to Pace Car drivers as I’ve rarely heard “going too slow was a factor in the accident” Here’s hoping…..

Greg Cantori
President – One Less Car

]]> By: evan http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/comment-page-1/#comment-48105 evan Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:09:36 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/#comment-48105 Nice legs, Jim! I hope your office has a shower like mine. Springtime bike commute rocks. I passed ambulances and fire trucks stuck in the 3rd Ave. parking lot this morning. Nice legs, Jim! I hope your office has a shower like mine. Springtime bike commute rocks. I passed ambulances and fire trucks stuck in the 3rd Ave. parking lot this morning.

]]> By: Julie http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/comment-page-1/#comment-48005 Julie Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:36:52 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/#comment-48005 If they are running adds like this it must mean they are losing business to people switching to bicycles and trains. That's geat! Screw the big insurance and oil and car companies, sell your car and ride a bike... it is so much more relaxing and healthy, and it won't cost you a cent once you get the bike. If they are running adds like this it must mean they are losing business to people switching to bicycles and trains. That’s geat! Screw the big insurance and oil and car companies, sell your car and ride a bike… it is so much more relaxing and healthy, and it won’t cost you a cent once you get the bike.

]]> By: Matt@TMW http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/comment-page-1/#comment-47707 Matt@TMW Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:41:09 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/#comment-47707 The comments about insurance coverage are right on. I got hit earlier this week (not bad, I'm ok) and after talking with my insurance I learned that if the driver was not insured or if they fled the scene, then my auto insurance would cover medical costs but not bike damage. If my bike is stolen, my renter's insurance would cover it. They also do not have any coverage that would include damage to my main form of transportation. The comments about insurance coverage are right on. I got hit earlier this week (not bad, I’m ok) and after talking with my insurance I learned that if the driver was not insured or if they fled the scene, then my auto insurance would cover medical costs but not bike damage. If my bike is stolen, my renter’s insurance would cover it. They also do not have any coverage that would include damage to my main form of transportation.

]]> By: ChipSeal http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/comment-page-1/#comment-47662 ChipSeal Mon, 07 Apr 2008 02:19:57 +0000 http://www.streetsblog.org/2008/04/03/ad-nauseam-state-farm-and-the-humiliation-of-biking-to-work/#comment-47662 I am car free and I am a renter. Why must I own a car in order to get uninsured motorist coverage? State Farm, I want to give you my money! I want to be covered if an uninsured motorist runs me down when I am traveling on my bicycle! Be a good neighbor and pioneer such coverage in the USA! I am this intersection: I must either buy, register, and store a car that I will never use or buy a home in order to get insurance coverage from a potential financial calamity simply because I travel on public roads by bicycle. Is State Farm there? I am car free and I am a renter. Why must I own a car in order to get uninsured motorist coverage?

State Farm, I want to give you my money! I want to be covered if an uninsured motorist runs me down when I am traveling on my bicycle!

Be a good neighbor and pioneer such coverage in the USA!

I am this intersection: I must either buy, register, and store a car that I will never use or buy a home in order to get insurance coverage from a potential financial calamity simply because I travel on public roads by bicycle. Is State Farm there?

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