Comments on: We’re Finally Doing Something About High Gas Prices

By: Bruno Wolff III

Bruno Wolff III — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 20:52:00 +0000

I have seen claims that riding a bicycle is even more energy efficient than walking even after paying the costs of making the bicycle.

By: rudy

rudy — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 23:17:12 +0000

bicycle, bicycle

i love to ride my bicycle

miles per gallon of gasoline: a bazillion (what does divide by zero give?)

greenhouse gasses emitted: only the occasional poot (especially after chili)

By: Michael Pereckas

Michael Pereckas — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 18:13:24 +0000

Zach: Could be, but for what it’s worth I found I got used to the clutch and shifting surprisingly quickly, especially given my minimal skill with manual transmission cars. I never did do very much motorcycling, but the motorcycle lessons were lots of fun.

By: Zach W.

Zach W. — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 14:52:58 +0000

Bruno, I’d given some thought to getting a motorcycle, but I don’t know that I’m coordinated enough to handle the shifting that goes along with driving a motorcycle.

By: Michael Pereckas

Michael Pereckas — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 14:41:22 +0000

Good to see people doing something about their petroleum consumption/CO2 emission, making some sort of start at peak oil recognition. As a bicyclist I certainly agree that getting out on two wheels (and slowing down, as you will with 49cc) gives you a new perspective on the world. And on the people you share the road with, though they seem crazy enough even viewed from inside a car. Especially the race to the red light—complain about fuel costs, then drive as though the goal was to burn as much as possible for as little reason as possible, possibly killing someone in the process—brilliant.

My parents had a 49cc scooter for a while, which was something of a fun toy but not as much fun as my brother’s 400cc motorcycle, and awfully expensive for what it is. Personally, I prefer no ccs and human power to 49cc and a 33MPH top speed, it frankly seems more practical to be a bit slower but get the benefit of being human powered and thus not expected to go fast, but opinion will vary. It helps to get a good price on the scooter, too.

Do keep us updated on your observed fuel consumption. Now that it’s warm and I’m gaining skill in driving it my Prius is averaging closer to 60 (those times I drive it instead of cycling), so hopefully the scooter does much better.

By: Bruno Wolff III

Bruno Wolff III — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 12:58:33 +0000

Zach, you could get a small motorcycle. You’ll still get good mileage and driving on 794 should be reasonably safe.

By: Zach W.

Zach W. — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 22:52:11 +0000

I had been thinking about getting a moped, in part because I think they’re funky and neat and because I’d love the gas savings, but the problem for me is that I live roughly 15 miles from where I work, and that 15 miles happens to be from the southern end of Milwaukee County to the northern end, and there’s really no quick way to get to work for me without taking 794 and the Hoan Bridge. If I could find a feasible route to work that didn’t take me all day and night, I’d love a moped.

By: Bruno Wolff III

Bruno Wolff III — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 16:46:51 +0000

I used to have a moped many years ago. I found that they get less respect than motorcycles and that their lack of power took away some options in dealing with situations.
Back then I used to be able to park on campus with it for either $9 a year or semester (I no longer remember which). So it was much cheaper than trying to park a car at UWM.
Also at the time mopeds weren’t a special category and I took my cycle test using mine, so now I have a cycle approved license.
Be sure to wear a helmet!