In less than six weeks, articles like this really won’t bother me anymore. Heck, after June 14th, I’m barely going to be driving for those last two weeks, so there! If, however, these types of articles are a concern to you, maybe it’s time you consider relocating to an area with a great public transportation system … or get used to walking long distances.
Even with gas prices this high, I think we Americans are still by and large very attached to our automobiles. Enough talk of higher MPG standards and alternative fuel sources. We need to shed this country of its addiction to automobiles, be they big or tiny, gas or solar powered. Stop building new highways: the future is our past — trains, and legs.
I don’t know exactly how this all might go about occuring, but that doesn’t mean I’m not right.
The sadder thing is even if we wanted to give up our cars we can’t, aside from places that are the exception (like DC) you need a car to get through modern life. So if gas is $1 or $10 we still have to drive to work to make money to afford the gas because we have no alternative.
Comment by Paul — May 19, 2008 @ 11:03 pm
Sorry, pal, but I strongly disagree. (Oh, yeah, did I mention that I live in Metro Detroit?)
Comment by Jim McKee — May 20, 2008 @ 8:44 am
Seriously, though, the price of gas would go down if the wack-jobs would let us build more refineries in this country.
Comment by Jim McKee — May 20, 2008 @ 8:45 am
I hear there’s a real possibility we could be looking at $5 a gallon for gas by the end of summer … somebody needs to come up with a plan …. whatever that may be!
Comment by losrulz — May 20, 2008 @ 4:38 pm
Aren’t you glad you are a retired pizza guy?
Comment by tfg — May 20, 2008 @ 5:25 pm
I commute 78kms one way, about a 45 minute drive, from my home to the city where I work and go to university. I do this because, even with the rising cost of fuel, it is cheaper to live at home with my parents than to pay my own way in an apartment.
Even if I was living in the city I go to university in, I would still need a car due to the location of my job (outside the range of the (shitty) public transit system).
So you see, automobiles are a big part of some people’s lives. Personally, I wouldn’t be able to do anything without one (my home is far removed from urban areas as well). I applaud you for moving to an urban area and using public transit, but consider that for some people an urban lifestyle is not appealing (yours truly) and automobiles are a necessity.
Comment by Chris M. — May 20, 2008 @ 9:18 pm
it costs me about £25/week at the moment in fuel. Not fun. It’s not like I even have to go far.
Comment by Toast — May 21, 2008 @ 11:11 am
Absolutely right. Its all about urban planning and cluster living with mixed use zoning. This is the way to live within bus/bike/walking distance to work and services.
I’m with you on this Snay!!!
xx
pinks
Comment by Pink — May 21, 2008 @ 5:08 pm
I keep hearing that more and more folks are turning to public transport. Perhaps this will be what we need to make our system 1.convenient 2.safe and 3.crime-free. Tell the guy who plumps for a car-free city to stand at a lonely light rail stop after dark, hoping to connect to a bus (once an hour) that lets him off 8 blocks from home.
Comment by mim — May 22, 2008 @ 12:29 pm
Yeah, there are no buses where I live. And the ten-mile drive to work just isn’t a safe route for cycling. Gas is already $4.25 here…
Comment by julie — June 12, 2008 @ 5:50 pm