"Leave Your Car at Home Day"

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

20 Apr 2006 12:12 PM

Today our city is celebrating, "Leave Your Car at Home Day." With gas prices hitting record highs (some stations in our state have passed the $3 mark), this effort is not going unnoticed. The bus is offering free rides and others are bicycling or even inline skating around town. There is no question about it... the price of fuel is having an effect on just about everyone's travel plans.

According to AAA, nationwide the average price for a gallon of gas is $2.80. It's one of the reasons I have seen (and I'm sure if you look around your city, you will agree) Park & Ride lots are filled to capacity. Using Park & Ride lots may be one solution to rising gas prices. The lots give coworkers a central meeting place where they can park then pile into one car, rather than asking the carpool driver to travel from house to house.

Individual states build Park & Ride lots along busier highways. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) says typically use goes up during the summer months, and when gas prices rise. But the DOT says Park & Ride lots have other uses. For example, say you're going to meet some people from other parts of the state and continue on in one vehicle, Park & Rides are a convenient way to store your vehicle. In addition, Park & Ride lots have extra features like telephones for emergencies and bicycle parking. Many also have night lighting for extra security.

If you are not in a position to use a Park & Ride lot, then just try the general concept of carpooling. It can help save you time and money. If you don't work outside your home, but have kids that need to be driven to soccer practice or dance lessons; suggest carpooling to other parents whose children attend the same activities as yours. I bet they would jump at the chance to save money on gas.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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