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The Smile Politely Editors are comprised of Chris Maier, Justine Bursoni, Seth Fein, Marissa Monson and Lindsey Markel. They, along with Webmaster Mason Kessinger, are the founders of the magazine. They decide to highlight certain events going on in Champaign-Urbana in a democratic fashion, without bias, in order to best bring to you the finest information on the entertainment around town.
Gas prices are on the rise nationwide, and we’re certainly not insulated here in Champaign-Urbana. As of this morning, gas at most stations in town is going for $3.75–$3.79 a gallon.
With fuel prices skyrocketing and no relief in sight, drivers are beginning to look for ways to save a buck. In a report last week, ABC News offered a handful of tips, such as keeping tires properly inflated, removing junk from the trunk and sticking with slower speeds.
The one remedy not mentioned, however, is the simplest of all: Find ways of getting around that don’t involve a car. Take the bus. Bike. Walk. Stay home.
Whichever “solution” you choose to embrace, chances are good that gas will affect the transportation decisions you make this summer.
Comments (5)
Friday, May 9, 2008 11:08 PM
It's definitely something that affects me greatly. I commute to Chicago every week for work.
Since the office I work out of is actually in one of the west suburbs (Lombard), taking Amtrak hasn't really been an option. However, with the rise in fuel costs I'm reconsidering and seeing if I can change my schedule in such a way that taking the train can fit somehow.
My train-based commute would be...
Amtrak to Chicago, Metra to Lombard, 2.5 mile bike ride. Not the most inviting commute on the planet, but it would save me at least $20 per week at current prices. The savings go up as prices go up.
--sam
Saturday, May 10, 2008 12:35 AM
The $35 summer bus pass is one of CU's best kept secret. How long does one tank last you?
Sunday, May 11, 2008 5:07 PM
I have gone (mostly) car free for the past year, and completely car free for the past 4 months. Surprisingly it is pretty easy. I have a bike with baskets, my road bike commuter, and a trailer. I have hauled everything from people to good sized roto-tiller without incident in the trailer.
Hope to do much garden supplies from Prairie Gardens with that setup this summer. Also all my trips to the south farms will be made on a bike, or well as long as I don't have to transport any expensive gear.
Sunday, May 11, 2008 5:46 PM
i haven't ever owned a car, and i've been fine for 11 years in CU. this fall, however, i'll be staying with my mom over in...glenview? it's way out west on kirby (past the interstate). no buses go there because they don't want to pay the taxes for it, and it's a pretty dangerous commute for bikers (no extra space on that bridge...). hopefully i won't die.
but honestly, even then i won't need a car most of the year. if it weren't for the snow i'd be biking 365 days a year. it's good exercise, and on campus it can be FASTER than a car during heavy traffic ( if you take the right route).
for some people biking isn't an option, though. it's really about finding a level of compromise that you are comfortable with. i feel that most people rely on their cars WAY too much, however.
Sunday, May 11, 2008 7:29 PM
The majority of people that pay champaign-urbana's sale tax are from 15-30 miles away, too far to bike. However it would be help if once they got here could send not have to money on gas. Can you help them do that? With little or no experience with public trans or with a bicyle? How?