NAC: gas prices going up.....more...

[Dan Cordon]

> 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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