A month ago, I wrote about how drivers have saved 10 billion miles from high gas prices and are finding new alternative modes of transportation. My commitment was to ride my bike to work at least twice a week before I took off for my vacation to Argentina.
3 weeks ( 3 times each week ) = 9 times to work.
Cost of each round trip: $3.46
How much I saved from filling up each week: 9($3.46)=$31.41
How much I saved from filling up during the 3 weeks of riding my bike: $31.41(3 weeks)=$93.42
How many calories did I burn each round trip? 639.
I know, gas prices are dropping and $3.85 for a gallon of gas seems cheap for you now. Yet, there is a little part of you that would love to ride your beach cruiser to work and pretend that you’re going to the beach. Have excuses? I’ll shoot them down for you!
Excuse:
I don’t want to ride my bike to work because I’ll be breathing the fumes from the streets, therefore driving is safer. Answer:
Not necessarily true–READ THIS
Excuse:
Does biking to work really make a difference for my wallet and the environment? Answer:
It does! Check out drivepricing.com and read this
Excuse:
My company doesn’t support me riding my bike. Answer:
Maybe not your company, but some employers are stepping up to the plate. Google gave 2,000 bikes to their employees. New Belgium Brewing Co, workers received a bike after a year of working–not to mention all the Fat Tire amber ale their little hearts desired! Seattle’s Vulcan gives cyclists money for a cab if they leave after sunset.
So there, those are the basic excuses. Give it up. Bike to work. Let me know how you do! Tell me your biking schedule and the most interesting comment will get something rad that’s bike related in the mail.
I read an interesting post today about 4 Ways Gas Pumps Screw You. I thought I’d bring this to everyone’s attention. Read up, and sit down, this might get you mad:
1. Meter Jump
You go to put gas in but before you pull the nozzle switch, there’s already a dollar amount on the meter. This usually happens because some part inside is worn out. When you hit the activation switch it’s supposed to recharge itself with a bit of gas, but when meter jump occurs, the meter is charging you for the gas that’s charging the system.
2. Meter Creep
The nozzle clicks off because it thinks the tank is full, but the machine keeps adding pennies even though no gas is flowing.
3. Short Volume
Can happen for a number of reasons, but essentially the pump is not pumping as much gas it says it is.
4. Big Sign, Little Price, But Little Sign, Bigger Price
This is when the big sign facing the road shows a lower price than is on your pump or on your receipt. With gas prices fluctuating the way they do these days, this usually happens because the gas station didn’t get a chance to change the sign yet.
Reality: Consumers are not always getting screwed out of their money, but there are some isolated cases, with the first three being the most common.
According to Steve Meissner, Communications Director of the Arizona Department of Weights and Measures, “Meters and gas pumps wear out and parts need to be replaced, a gas pump is a pretty complicated piece of equipment,”
Example:
Stats from the Arizona Department of Weights and Measures:
66,000 fuel devices statewide
22,000 device inspections per year
9% of inspections find actionable problems
1-2% of the inspections find pumps shorting the customers
However, if you feel your pump is ripping you off, you should bring it up to the store. If you’re not happy, contact your local weights and measures department, and they will let you know the results of their inspection.
We blogged earlier today about gas prices dropping to an estimated $3.50 by Labor Day. Honestly, I hope it stays above $4 a gallon. Don’t get me wrong, I know Americans are hurting at the pump, but there is relief in other areas.
Here’s why:
I read an article today on CNNMoney about how Americans are leaving their cars in their garages and driving less. According to the Federal Highway Administration, Americans drove 9.6 billion fewer miles this May compared to last year.
It’s great that Americans are buckling down at the pump, but it also means that there is less tax revenue for our highway systems. More and more people are using trains, buses and bikes to get home.
As for me? I’ve been inspired to get back on my bike again. According to Google Maps, I live about 7.3 miles away from work, and it takes me about 15-20 minutes to get to work depending on traffic. If I avoid highways it’s 7.6 miles.
My commitment? I’m biking to work to twice a week, starting tomorrow. Here’s my route:
From Newport Beach, CA (Home) to Irvine, CA (Work):
What’s next? Is the state going to charge bike commuters and people who walk a fee to use the sidewalks and the streets? I certainly hope not.
Gas prices are rising, and many companies see it as a business opportunity. I’m sure everyone has noticed all the ads are aimed at improving car fuel efficiency and saving money at the pump. The question is, are these methods paying off? Not according to a recent SmartMoney article, “4 Gas-Saving Deals that Rarely Pay Off.”
Products That Claim to Make Cars More Fuel-Efficient
Don’t fall victim to the additives and the engine conversions that improve gas mileage. According to the EPA, only a few actually improve mileage. Even for the ones that work, the gas savings is too small to even justify the prices. In addition, many of them contain water and gas, which can cause serious damage to cars and void warranties. Tip? Just don’t do it.
Ads Offering Gas Rewards and Discounts
Don’t fall for the free gas gift cards for web ads. Many times there is too much work involved and sometimes, the cards don’t even arrive. The Better Business Bureau is currently investigating RadioGasDeals.com, which airs radio ads offering consumers to lock in gas prices at $2.49. The site’s Free Zone LLC also owns GasLockedIn.com, GasPumpRebates.com, conducts business under the names CYMedia Group, America’s Gas Relief Program, FreeZone Rewards, High Altitude Marketing, iPod Deal, Media Zone, The iPod Deal and Xbox Free Zone, according to the BBB.
Using a Gas Rewards Credit Card
Using a gas rewards card with a 3% rebate is like getting a discount of 12 cents per gallon at the pump, if the station isn’t charging extra for using credit cards. Also, you need to get past these restrictive policies. Currently, there are gas stations that are charging customers as much as 50 cents per gallon on credit and debit card transactions– a fee discovered after the card is swiped.
If you notice a gas station is charging a surcharge for using plastic, report it to Cardratings.com, and request the difference to be refunded. The gas station will be fined and forced to discontinue the fee.
Auctions of Gas Vouchers and Coupons
Try to avoid auction related sites for gift card purchases. Many times the cards are fraudulent and counterfeit. Example: Currently people are posting Rite Aid “Fill Up & Fuel Up” coupons that award a $30 gift card when a customer transfers a prescription to its stores. Sellers are asking for up to $10 each. You can download the coupons online for free.
Final tip? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably IS too good to be true. Just be careful.
