NAC: gas prices going up.....more...
Dan Cordon
cord4530 at uidaho.edu
Sat Mar 5 19:06:50 EST 2005
> The big question is consumer behavior -- will the higher prices cause people
> to alter their behavior enough to significantly reduce demand? How
> expensive does gasoline have to get before commuters start carpooling again?
> Will $3/gal do it?
Most people won't agree with me, but I still say 'gas is cheap.' True,
it will continue to increase, and it's inevitable that in the semi-near
future (how's that for precise?) it will increase significantly. But
it's still cheap. Consider the amount of chemical energy in a gallon of
gasoline. And it only costs $2. (Okay, pretend it's $5 if you like) What
are your cheaper alternatives? (Electricity is cheap) Food (our primary
energy source as humans) isn't cheap. Filtered water (no chemical
energy) can be more expensive than gasoline.
I do a LOT of biking. Mountain (for enjoyment) and road (for
exercise/training). I ride to work at least 50% of the time in the
Spring - Fall. I *know* I eat way more $$$ in food than I would have
spent in fuel to drive the same distance.
Either way...carpooling is a great idea. In many places, public
transportation is simply outstanding! And many mopeds are getting over
100 mpg. At $2/gallon, clearly gas is cheap.
But you won't find me on a bike or a moped in the winter. There's no
better car for me than the quattro for the snow/ice covered roads.
--
Dan Cordon
Mechanical Engineer - Engine Research Facility
University of Idaho
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