Mixed emotions. I love the idea of gas prices going up. I feel like gas should cost more considering the negative impact it has on the atmosphere, the air pollution, and global impact of refining it from crude oil. In other parts of the world gas has been considerably more expensive for a long time. I think the higher prices have encouraged other countries to be more tuned in to the impacts of transportation and energy consumption. Expensive gas makes people think about how much they use.

Several years ago I had the idea that I wanted to get rid of all our gas powered things. We sold our only car, then our lawn mower. We had never owned a gas powered weed-trimmer or the multitude of other power tools people often feel they need. All the motorcycles and mopeds of my youth were long gone. I know we still buy things that have used gas in manufacturing and delivery almost everyday but not having to buy any makes me happy.

I remember when I was a 13 year old, I needed gas for my moped. I would siphon it from my dad’s truck often enough that I still know what gasoline tastes like. Now as a 44 year old, I check the gas prices at oregongasprices.com just to see them climbing – always hoping that more people will give bicycling a try.

High gas prices will have so many other effects. I can’t begin to imagine.