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Political Cartoons
Alternate Means of Transportation
By Cartoon: John Darkow, Columbia Daily Tribune, Missouri
Project: Cynthia Kirkeby, ClassBrain
May 3, 2006, 14:18 PST

© John Darkow, Columbia Daily Tribune, Missouri

Alternate Means of Transportation

With gas prices higher than ever, and no permanent relief in sight, it's time to take a look at alternate means of transportation. Here is a quick look at other ways to get around town.

  • Hike: If you're within 1-4 miles of work or school, try hiking. You'll save money, get in shape, and reduce your stress level.

  • Bicycles: If you're within 1-10 miles of work or school, you might want to ride your bike. On top of saving you a lot of money in gas, you'll have the added benefit of getting in better physical shape and seeing your neighborhood in a new light.
    Community concept: Sponsor a "Ride a Bike to Work Day," and perhaps arrange for certain streets to have lanes blocked off specifically for bike traffic on major routes.

  • Neighborhood Electric Vehicles: If you need more flexibility as far as time, as well as the ability to take passangers or materials, you might want to look into an NEV. According to evfinder.com, "Neighborhood Electric Vehicles or NEV is a vehicle that is capable of traveling at a maximum speed of 25mph. They come with safety features like headlights, turn signals and seat belts. In most States and in Canada they can be operated on the roads where the posted speed limit is 35mph or less."

  • Scooters: If you can't get away from the smell of gasoline but you want something that actually has real fuel efficiency, you may want to try a scooter. The Vespa ET2 gets a whopping 65 miles to the gallon!

  • Trains, Trams, & Trolleys: If you need to travel longer distances, try checking into the public trains, trams and trolleys in your area. Most of these systems are very effective and affordable for transportation around downtown or from the suburbs to the downtown area. Some cities have even implemented shared vehicles or bikes (usually EVs) that you can use when you arrive in town.


    Questions to Ponder

    Will higher gas prices change the way we travel?

    Will you be trying an alternate mode of transportation because of the higher gas prices?

    Will American's start to shift to smaller vehicles and hybrids?

    What other modes of transportation are available to the average American?


    ClassBrain Learning Links

    Neighborhood Electric Vehicles
    A learn which electric vehicles might work best for you and your family.
    Source: evfinder.com

    The Vespa ET2
    Source: Vespa Superstore

    Flexcar makes inroads downtown
    Source: Portland Business Journal

    Bikestation Long Beach
    Bikestation's advanced entry and membership system allows cyclists paying a fee to have exclusive 24/7 access to secure, indoor bike parking and shared use bicycles.
    Source: Bikestation, Long Beach

    Metrolink
    Source: Metrolink, Southern CA



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