I don't normally read msn.com, but it is the default homepage on a computer at work and one of the stories caught my eye today.
In the story about the costliest city to drive in is a great chart listing out the prices of gas around the world. Let's touch on a few highlights.
All of these prices are for one gallon
United States - $2.30
Brazil - $3.64
Ireland - $4.71
Germany - $5.21
United Kingdom - $5.60
Netherlands - $6.21
Venezuela - $0.12
Take a moment to let that sink in. Ok, now, have you complained about the price of gas in the last few weeks? LIAR! Yes, you have. This is another case of us not realizing how great we have it. I've been saying this a lot lately, but I want the price of gas to rise. Maybe then people will wake up and demand better fuel efficiency in their cars. Maybe then they'll ride their bike to work, or walk to the frickin mailbox, or demand better mass transit.
Sure, you'll point the finger at me and my gas sucking metal monster, but I was plenty aware of the fuel costs and I knew that I wouldn't drive that vehicle a tenth of what some people do (DJ!). I also put my money where my mouth is. I try to ride in to work 1-2 times a week, although I wish I could drag my butt out of bed for 4-5 times. I'll also ride to see friends if they live close.
I guess if you take anything away from this, let it be this. Rising gas prices should not rule your life. Adapt and conserve.... and ride your bike. If you don't have a bike, buy one with the money you'll save on gas.
2005-08-23
Quit Whining - Ride Your Bike
Posted by ---ryan at 6:06 PM
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2 comments:
Amen! Americans need to understand that oil is a non-renewable resource, and the world is sucking it up like a Shop Vac.
Necessity is the mother of all invention, as the saying goes. The age of Driving To The Gym On A Warm, Sunny Day will end within our lifetime.
I agree with most of the points. However, remember that Europe has much less sprawl, thus driving is much less of a necessity.
Cooper: "Relax. Paris is practically a suberb of Berlin. It's a nothing commute. This is why France and Germany have always been allies."
Cecil: "Allies."
Things like working virtually could go a long way toward helping us here as well. I'll have to do that once it gets much higher.
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