Alternative Transportation Options During a Gas Crisis

With every American now feeling the pinch of the gas crisis, most of us are looking at alternative transportation to save money. Short-lived are the days of the gas-guzzling SUV.

Here are some ideas to get you started in your quest for alternative transportation.

Carpool as alternative transportation during a gas crisis:

While many Americans rely on carpooling to save on toll road and bridge fees, this can save a lot of gas used in the neighborhood sense. If everyone is going to the same ball game or event, carpool and split the gas.

Put a flier up at work to start a group of new carpoolers in your area, especially if you have a long commute. Or even run a free ad on Craigslist.com to find people in need of transportation to the same area you go everyday. You don't need to work together to carpool.

Note: Always screen people you don't know before joining a carpool, for your own safety.

Using public transportation during a gas crisis:

This is pretty obvious to most Americans, the bus or the train may be a way of life. Rural America and the Midwest do not often have these public services. If they are available to you, find the nearest bus stop to your home and place of work.

Look into buying a monthly bus pass, these are considerably less in the long run. Keep a bus or train schedule at home and at work. Bring a magazine to occupy your time during the ride on public transportation.

Note: For personal safety, do not take out a laptop or any other expensive piece of equipment while riding on public transportation.

Motorcycles or scooters as alternative transportation during a gas crisis:

Investing in a motorcycle or scooter may be the answer if only one person commutes to work. This can be a huge gas savings, especially in suburbs and small cities. If there is no Interstate or Expressway involved in the commute, scooters or motorcycles can be a fun way to get to work.

Note: Remember to always wear safety equipment when riding a scooter or motorcycle. Many states require special licensing to operate motorcycles or scooters, check the laws before you ride.

The bicycle as alternative transportation during a gas crisis:

Bicycles have evolved along with every other form of transportation. The bicycles of today are made with a sturdy frame that sits much more comfortably than the old 10-speeds. Specialty shops are cropping up to personally fit you with the right bicycle.

Note: Always wear safety equipment and mind the traffic laws when riding a bicycle.

Walking as alternative transportation during a gas crisis:

That's right it's time to use our Chevrolegs, take the ten-toe express, hoof it. The U.S. is the most obese country in the world. We could all use a brisk walk, and what better time to start than during a gas crisis.

Start small and you won't notice the walking part as much as the gas savings. Don't drive around in the Wal-Mart parking lot, go to the back of the lot and park immediately. Walk the distance to the door. Soon a walk to the store will be family fun.

Note: Always obey rules of the road when walking. Walk defensively; if there is no sidewalk, walk on the left hand side of the road (facing traffic).

These are the cheapest options available to the U.S. masses during the gas crisis that faces us. Some early planning can help children understand why transportation may have to change, and allows time to learn the new rules of safety.