Are gas prices changing your behavior? AKA "F--- this, I'm getting a bike."

1457910

Posts

  • ThanatosThanatos Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    ege02 wrote: »
    I'm glad I'll be living only 5 miles from work.

    Quite good in CA standards, I think. :D
    Where are you for the summer, ege?

    Thanatos on
  • urahonkyurahonky Cynical Old Man Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    Proto wrote: »
    urahonky wrote: »
    Proto wrote: »
    Doc wrote: »
    urahonky wrote: »
    I looked on google maps, and it's about 13 miles from my house to work. Which isn't TOO bad. I wonder about how long that would be on a bike? I also don't want to smell like a foot when I get to work :(

    About an hour, depending on terrain. You will be pretty sweaty when you get there, but if you towel off right away and keep some deodorant at work you won't smell bad. I usually keep a pair of jeans at the office, and just pack a shirt and underpants daily.

    Another thing people say is that if you shower before you ride in, you won't smell when you get there, even if you are sweaty. I guess because it's the bacteria on your skin that causes you to smell?

    I personally couldn't do it with a shower after, I'd be sweaty all day. :)

    I do shower before I go into work, so that might be true. I'll have to bring my clothes to work somehow. Maybe in a backpack or something? Problem is, I have class right after work. So lugging my Calculus Book inside of a backpack on top of my clothes will get them really wrinkled.

    I use a rack and panniers on my commuter bike. They give you more room for gear, put the weight lower on the bike which improves handling, and make the ride more comfortable.

    Good point, I'll have to be sure to get them installed.

    I guess I'm just kind of nervous on riding a bike around here. I used to walk to work when I was less than 1 mile away, and had nearly gotten run over almost every day. Now when I ride a bike? I'll have to stick to the streets because Ohio decided NOT to make sidewalks anywhere. (exaggeration)

    urahonky on
  • XaquinXaquin Right behind you!Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    From the Presidency thread: Scientists Genetically Engineer Petrol-Shitting Bacteria.

    In other news, Saudis declare holy war on infidel United States.

    Is this for real?

    Because that is awesome.

    Xaquin on
  • ElJeffeElJeffe Roaming the streets, waving his mod gun around.Moderator, ClubPA Mod Emeritus
    edited June 2008
    Medopine wrote: »
    Literally? Get run over?

    I guess I don't mind people here driving slower because it means when I decide to try to up my mpg by driving 60 instead of speeding it doesn't mean the other drivers on the road try to run me over.

    People go faster than the speed limit on the goddamned shoulder. I have seriously been passed on the shoulder when driving the speed limit.

    ElJeffe on
    I submitted an entry to Lego Ideas, and if 10,000 people support me, it'll be turned into an actual Lego set!If you'd like to see and support my submission, follow this link.
  • ElJeffeElJeffe Roaming the streets, waving his mod gun around.Moderator, ClubPA Mod Emeritus
    edited June 2008
    Xaquin wrote: »
    From the Presidency thread: Scientists Genetically Engineer Petrol-Shitting Bacteria.

    In other news, Saudis declare holy war on infidel United States.

    Is this for real?

    Because that is awesome.

    Yeah, I posted it in the election thread. It could be very legitimate, and thus Really Fucking Awesome.

    ElJeffe on
    I submitted an entry to Lego Ideas, and if 10,000 people support me, it'll be turned into an actual Lego set!If you'd like to see and support my submission, follow this link.
  • ZonkytonkmanZonkytonkman Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    urahonky wrote: »
    Proto wrote: »
    Doc wrote: »
    urahonky wrote: »
    I looked on google maps, and it's about 13 miles from my house to work. Which isn't TOO bad. I wonder about how long that would be on a bike? I also don't want to smell like a foot when I get to work :(

    About an hour, depending on terrain. You will be pretty sweaty when you get there, but if you towel off right away and keep some deodorant at work you won't smell bad. I usually keep a pair of jeans at the office, and just pack a shirt and underpants daily.

    Another thing people say is that if you shower before you ride in, you won't smell when you get there, even if you are sweaty. I guess because it's the bacteria on your skin that causes you to smell?

    I personally couldn't do it with a shower after, I'd be sweaty all day. :)

    I do shower before I go into work, so that might be true. I'll have to bring my clothes to work somehow. Maybe in a backpack or something? Problem is, I have class right after work. So lugging my Calculus Book inside of a backpack on top of my clothes will get them really wrinkled.

    during my brief "bike to work" phase, I experimented with various 8 1/2 * 11" rigid folders/binders to store my shirts/pants in so they wouldn't get wrinkled.

    I never thought to try taking the rings out of a 2" binder, nad using some kind of strap to secure it, but now I wish i had. I thinkit'd work

    Zonkytonkman on
  • urahonkyurahonky Cynical Old Man Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    ElJeffe wrote: »
    Medopine wrote: »
    Literally? Get run over?

    I guess I don't mind people here driving slower because it means when I decide to try to up my mpg by driving 60 instead of speeding it doesn't mean the other drivers on the road try to run me over.

    People go faster than the speed limit on the goddamned shoulder. I have seriously been passed on the shoulder when driving the speed limit.

    Do they use their blinkers? That's probably the most annoying thing that happens around here.

    "I don't have to use my left turning signal if I merge into that lane as slowly as possible." is what people think. I swear.

    urahonky on
  • ProtoProto Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    urahonky wrote: »
    I guess I'm just kind of nervous on riding a bike around here. I used to walk to work when I was less than 1 mile away, and had nearly gotten run over almost every day. Now when I ride a bike? I'll have to stick to the streets because Ohio decided NOT to make sidewalks anywhere. (exaggeration)

    You should be riding your bike on the street anyway.

    You should be just fine, just keep alert and watch for things like:
    - cars passing you on the left and then immediately turning right, effectively cutting you off. This is a big one.
    - parked cars opening doors into traffic.
    - hidden driveways and cars not looking before pulling out.


    oh yeah, rolling your clothes up seems to prevent wrinkles pretty well.

    Proto on
    and her knees up on the glove compartment
    took out her barrettes and her hair spilled out like rootbeer
  • urahonkyurahonky Cynical Old Man Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    urahonky wrote: »
    Proto wrote: »
    Doc wrote: »
    urahonky wrote: »
    I looked on google maps, and it's about 13 miles from my house to work. Which isn't TOO bad. I wonder about how long that would be on a bike? I also don't want to smell like a foot when I get to work :(

    About an hour, depending on terrain. You will be pretty sweaty when you get there, but if you towel off right away and keep some deodorant at work you won't smell bad. I usually keep a pair of jeans at the office, and just pack a shirt and underpants daily.

    Another thing people say is that if you shower before you ride in, you won't smell when you get there, even if you are sweaty. I guess because it's the bacteria on your skin that causes you to smell?

    I personally couldn't do it with a shower after, I'd be sweaty all day. :)

    I do shower before I go into work, so that might be true. I'll have to bring my clothes to work somehow. Maybe in a backpack or something? Problem is, I have class right after work. So lugging my Calculus Book inside of a backpack on top of my clothes will get them really wrinkled.

    during my brief "bike to work" phase, I experimented with various 8 1/2 * 11" rigid folders/binders to store my shirts/pants in so they wouldn't get wrinkled.

    I never thought to try taking the rings out of a 2" binder, nad using some kind of strap to secure it, but now I wish i had. I thinkit'd work

    Hmmmm... that's a damn good idea. I can see that working. :)

    urahonky on
  • ElJeffeElJeffe Roaming the streets, waving his mod gun around.Moderator, ClubPA Mod Emeritus
    edited June 2008
    urahonky wrote: »
    ElJeffe wrote: »
    Medopine wrote: »
    Literally? Get run over?

    I guess I don't mind people here driving slower because it means when I decide to try to up my mpg by driving 60 instead of speeding it doesn't mean the other drivers on the road try to run me over.

    People go faster than the speed limit on the goddamned shoulder. I have seriously been passed on the shoulder when driving the speed limit.

    Do they use their blinkers? That's probably the most annoying thing that happens around here.

    "I don't have to use my left turning signal if I merge into that lane as slowly as possible." is what people think. I swear.

    They do that too. But I'm talking about I'm driving down the freeway at 65, and someone comes up behind me and swerves around me on the shoulder, usually doing at least 85. Fucking loonies.

    ElJeffe on
    I submitted an entry to Lego Ideas, and if 10,000 people support me, it'll be turned into an actual Lego set!If you'd like to see and support my submission, follow this link.
  • urahonkyurahonky Cynical Old Man Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    Proto wrote: »
    urahonky wrote: »
    I guess I'm just kind of nervous on riding a bike around here. I used to walk to work when I was less than 1 mile away, and had nearly gotten run over almost every day. Now when I ride a bike? I'll have to stick to the streets because Ohio decided NOT to make sidewalks anywhere. (exaggeration)

    You should be riding your bike on the street anyway.

    You should be just fine, just keep alert and watch for things like:
    - cars passing you on the left and then immediately turning right, effectively cutting you off. This is a big one.
    - parked cars opening doors into traffic.
    - hidden driveways and cars not looking before pulling out.

    I'd say in about 6 months more people will be riding their bikes and it won't be so much of a problem. But at the moment people are NOT considerate to people on bikes at all. I've heard people HONK at a guy on a bike because he wasn't doing the speed limit.

    He's in a fucking bike you retard.

    urahonky on
  • urahonkyurahonky Cynical Old Man Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    ElJeffe wrote: »
    urahonky wrote: »
    ElJeffe wrote: »
    Medopine wrote: »
    Literally? Get run over?

    I guess I don't mind people here driving slower because it means when I decide to try to up my mpg by driving 60 instead of speeding it doesn't mean the other drivers on the road try to run me over.

    People go faster than the speed limit on the goddamned shoulder. I have seriously been passed on the shoulder when driving the speed limit.

    Do they use their blinkers? That's probably the most annoying thing that happens around here.

    "I don't have to use my left turning signal if I merge into that lane as slowly as possible." is what people think. I swear.

    They do that too. But I'm talking about I'm driving down the freeway at 65, and someone comes up behind me and swerves around me on the shoulder, usually doing at least 85. Fucking loonies.

    Oh no shit. My grandma lives in San Diego, and she hates going on the freeway for that exact reason. If you're not going 85+, you will die.

    urahonky on
  • deadonthestreetdeadonthestreet Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    I'm trying to decide if the 45 minute walk each way to class each day is worth the gas I'd save.

    deadonthestreet on
  • GungHoGungHo Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    ElJeffe wrote: »
    Xaquin wrote: »
    From the Presidency thread: Scientists Genetically Engineer Petrol-Shitting Bacteria.

    In other news, Saudis declare holy war on infidel United States.
    Is this for real?

    Because that is awesome.
    Yeah, I posted it in the election thread. It could be very legitimate, and thus Really Fucking Awesome.
    There's gotta be some hidden cost to this. Like the Blob.

    GungHo on
  • ElJeffeElJeffe Roaming the streets, waving his mod gun around.Moderator, ClubPA Mod Emeritus
    edited June 2008
    GungHo wrote: »
    ElJeffe wrote: »
    Xaquin wrote: »
    From the Presidency thread: Scientists Genetically Engineer Petrol-Shitting Bacteria.

    In other news, Saudis declare holy war on infidel United States.
    Is this for real?

    Because that is awesome.
    Yeah, I posted it in the election thread. It could be very legitimate, and thus Really Fucking Awesome.
    There's gotta be some hidden cost to this. Like the Blob.

    I think a hungry protoplasmic monster would be an acceptable price if this is workable.

    ElJeffe on
    I submitted an entry to Lego Ideas, and if 10,000 people support me, it'll be turned into an actual Lego set!If you'd like to see and support my submission, follow this link.
  • ZonkytonkmanZonkytonkman Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    ElJeffe wrote: »
    GungHo wrote: »
    ElJeffe wrote: »
    Xaquin wrote: »
    From the Presidency thread: Scientists Genetically Engineer Petrol-Shitting Bacteria.

    In other news, Saudis declare holy war on infidel United States.
    Is this for real?

    Because that is awesome.
    Yeah, I posted it in the election thread. It could be very legitimate, and thus Really Fucking Awesome.
    There's gotta be some hidden cost to this. Like the Blob.

    I think a hungry protoplasmic monster would be an acceptable price if this is workable.

    But now adays there'd be no way to stop it. Environmentalists wouldn't allow it to be dumped in the artic like the last one.

    Zonkytonkman on
  • XaquinXaquin Right behind you!Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    ElJeffe wrote: »
    GungHo wrote: »
    ElJeffe wrote: »
    Xaquin wrote: »
    From the Presidency thread: Scientists Genetically Engineer Petrol-Shitting Bacteria.

    In other news, Saudis declare holy war on infidel United States.
    Is this for real?

    Because that is awesome.
    Yeah, I posted it in the election thread. It could be very legitimate, and thus Really Fucking Awesome.
    There's gotta be some hidden cost to this. Like the Blob.

    I think a hungry protoplasmic monster would be an acceptable price if this is workable.

    But now adays there'd be no way to stop it. Environmentalists wouldn't allow it to be dumped in the artic like the last one.

    this could be so awesome.

    I mean just set it up in the desert some place. Oil already has to be transported, and this situation wouldn't be any different.

    I hope this doesn't get bogged down by anything.

    Xaquin on
  • LineNoizLineNoiz Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    Xaquin wrote: »
    this could be so awesome.

    I mean just set it up in the desert some place. Oil already has to be transported, and this situation wouldn't be any different.

    I hope this doesn't get bogged down by anything.
    You mean like by the need for a factory the size of Chicago?

    LineNoiz on
  • radroadkillradroadkill MDRegistered User regular
    edited June 2008
    I've discovered that by using my car soley for work and the store once a week I'm down to a quarter tank of gas every two. That's amazing. Pensacola is a pain to drive in only because it eats so much gas; a trip to campus and back tend to cost me a quarter tank a trip.

    I'm excited to switch to an online school for this last year and some; factoring their tutition into what my tuiton at UWF and books and GAS costs is saving me a lot.

    radroadkill on
  • projectmayhemprojectmayhem Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    Someone was wondering earlier about cc to mph. While I don't know for sure on the higher ones, I do know that a 49cc will get you 40mph (up to 45mph depending on type of scooter).

    projectmayhem on
  • Phoenix-DPhoenix-D Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    LineNoiz wrote: »
    Xaquin wrote: »
    this could be so awesome.

    I mean just set it up in the desert some place. Oil already has to be transported, and this situation wouldn't be any different.

    I hope this doesn't get bogged down by anything.
    You mean like by the need for a factory the size of Chicago?


    That's a non-issue. How much space are we using right now on oil rigs, drilling platforms, and the like? Its not THAT much more. Especially given you can produce it locally and not need the giant-ass container ships to haul it over.

    Phoenix-D on
  • ElJeffeElJeffe Roaming the streets, waving his mod gun around.Moderator, ClubPA Mod Emeritus
    edited June 2008
    LineNoiz wrote: »
    Xaquin wrote: »
    this could be so awesome.

    I mean just set it up in the desert some place. Oil already has to be transported, and this situation wouldn't be any different.

    I hope this doesn't get bogged down by anything.
    You mean like by the need for a factory the size of Chicago?

    If we decide we need a single factory to handle production of every barrel of oil used by the country, then sure.

    ElJeffe on
    I submitted an entry to Lego Ideas, and if 10,000 people support me, it'll be turned into an actual Lego set!If you'd like to see and support my submission, follow this link.
  • XaquinXaquin Right behind you!Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    LineNoiz wrote: »
    Xaquin wrote: »
    this could be so awesome.

    I mean just set it up in the desert some place. Oil already has to be transported, and this situation wouldn't be any different.

    I hope this doesn't get bogged down by anything.
    You mean like by the need for a factory the size of Chicago?

    meh.

    could be worse.

    Xaquin on
  • LineNoizLineNoiz Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    Someone was wondering earlier about cc to mph. While I don't know for sure on the higher ones, I do know that a 49cc will get you 40mph (up to 45mph depending on type of scooter).
    When I bought my (583cc) motorcycle, the lady who sold it to me said she's had it up to 110MPH. But she is tiny, and I am huge. I've just barely managed to squeak out 80, but that was after going down a fairly steep slope, throttle all the way open. Mostly I top out at 70.

    Anyway, my point is the weight of the bike/rider will have a pretty big effect on the top speed.

    LineNoiz on
  • chamberlainchamberlain Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    Xaquin wrote: »
    LineNoiz wrote: »
    Xaquin wrote: »
    this could be so awesome.

    I mean just set it up in the desert some place. Oil already has to be transported, and this situation wouldn't be any different.

    I hope this doesn't get bogged down by anything.
    You mean like by the need for a factory the size of Chicago?

    meh.

    could be worse.

    No kidding, I would glady sacrifice Chicago for cheap, renewable oil.

    chamberlain on
  • ege02ege02 __BANNED USERS regular
    edited June 2008
    ElJeffe wrote: »
    LineNoiz wrote: »
    Xaquin wrote: »
    this could be so awesome.

    I mean just set it up in the desert some place. Oil already has to be transported, and this situation wouldn't be any different.

    I hope this doesn't get bogged down by anything.
    You mean like by the need for a factory the size of Chicago?

    If we decide we need a single factory to handle production of every barrel of oil used by the country, then sure.

    Because we don't have a pollution problem already.

    ege02 on
  • ElJeffeElJeffe Roaming the streets, waving his mod gun around.Moderator, ClubPA Mod Emeritus
    edited June 2008
    ege02 wrote: »
    ElJeffe wrote: »
    LineNoiz wrote: »
    Xaquin wrote: »
    this could be so awesome.

    I mean just set it up in the desert some place. Oil already has to be transported, and this situation wouldn't be any different.

    I hope this doesn't get bogged down by anything.
    You mean like by the need for a factory the size of Chicago?

    If we decide we need a single factory to handle production of every barrel of oil used by the country, then sure.

    Because we don't have a pollution problem already.

    The process is net carbon negative.

    ElJeffe on
    I submitted an entry to Lego Ideas, and if 10,000 people support me, it'll be turned into an actual Lego set!If you'd like to see and support my submission, follow this link.
  • ege02ege02 __BANNED USERS regular
    edited June 2008
    ElJeffe wrote: »
    ege02 wrote: »
    ElJeffe wrote: »
    LineNoiz wrote: »
    Xaquin wrote: »
    this could be so awesome.

    I mean just set it up in the desert some place. Oil already has to be transported, and this situation wouldn't be any different.

    I hope this doesn't get bogged down by anything.
    You mean like by the need for a factory the size of Chicago?

    If we decide we need a single factory to handle production of every barrel of oil used by the country, then sure.

    Because we don't have a pollution problem already.

    The process is net carbon negative.

    That's the claim, yes.

    ege02 on
  • Phoenix-DPhoenix-D Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    The other emissions aren't exactly a barrel of fun either. Though those are getting better with every model.

    Phoenix-D on
  • ThanatosThanatos Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    ElJeffe wrote: »
    LineNoiz wrote: »
    Xaquin wrote: »
    this could be so awesome.

    I mean just set it up in the desert some place. Oil already has to be transported, and this situation wouldn't be any different.

    I hope this doesn't get bogged down by anything.
    You mean like by the need for a factory the size of Chicago?
    If we decide we need a single factory to handle production of every barrel of oil used by the country, then sure.
    If only we had large swaths of empty land in this country that could be used for such an undertaking.

    Thanatos on
  • LineNoizLineNoiz Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    ElJeffe wrote: »
    LineNoiz wrote: »
    Xaquin wrote: »
    this could be so awesome.

    I mean just set it up in the desert some place. Oil already has to be transported, and this situation wouldn't be any different.

    I hope this doesn't get bogged down by anything.
    You mean like by the need for a factory the size of Chicago?

    If we decide we need a single factory to handle production of every barrel of oil used by the country, then sure.
    1 factory, 200 factories, it's still 205 square miles of factory (to meet current US demand) and that is gonna cost a fortune. They may be able to create a $50 barrel of crude on a small scale, but to ramp that up and that price is not even close to realistic. Unless they can cut down on the size of the machinery needed to make this stuff, I don't see it going anywhere.

    Assuming of course this becomes our 1 and only source of fuel. Which would be retarded. I could see this being one of a hundred diverse forms of creating fuel.

    LineNoiz on
  • XaquinXaquin Right behind you!Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    LineNoiz wrote: »
    1 factory, 200 factories, it's still 205 square miles of factory (to meet current US demand) and that is gonna cost a fortune.

    why, they'd need investors for that kind of money!

    Xaquin on
  • ElJeffeElJeffe Roaming the streets, waving his mod gun around.Moderator, ClubPA Mod Emeritus
    edited June 2008
    Usually when you scale production up it gets cheaper, not more expensive. And that's 205 sq mi using prototype-level technology. And, like you say, there's no reason this has to be our only source of oil.

    Regardless, long-term, we're talking about a process that turns garbage into fuel and is carbon-negative. It's not an ideal fuel source in terms of cleanliness, but it's pretty damned swell, and a big step up from oil drilling.

    ElJeffe on
    I submitted an entry to Lego Ideas, and if 10,000 people support me, it'll be turned into an actual Lego set!If you'd like to see and support my submission, follow this link.
  • SeptusSeptus Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    LineNoiz wrote: »
    1 factory, 200 factories, it's still 205 square miles of factory (to meet current US demand) and that is gonna cost a fortune. They may be able to create a $50 barrel of crude on a small scale, but to ramp that up and that price is not even close to realistic. Unless they can cut down on the size of the machinery needed to make this stuff, I don't see it going anywhere.

    Assuming of course this becomes our 1 and only source of fuel. Which would be retarded. I could see this being one of a hundred diverse forms of creating fuel.

    205 miles to completely replace our oil needs yes. It's also half that to only replace half of our supply, and then less than that if we also reduce consumption because we get more efficient batteries and start using electric cars and/or install more public transportation.

    Septus on
    PSN: Kurahoshi1
  • ElJeffeElJeffe Roaming the streets, waving his mod gun around.Moderator, ClubPA Mod Emeritus
    edited June 2008
    Xaquin wrote: »
    LineNoiz wrote: »
    1 factory, 200 factories, it's still 205 square miles of factory (to meet current US demand) and that is gonna cost a fortune.

    why, they'd need investors for that kind of money!

    Bah, nobody will want to invest in a revolutionary new oil production process.

    ElJeffe on
    I submitted an entry to Lego Ideas, and if 10,000 people support me, it'll be turned into an actual Lego set!If you'd like to see and support my submission, follow this link.
  • MalkorMalkor Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    I'm trying to decide if the 45 minute walk each way to class each day is worth the gas I'd save.
    Music player + New and different music every few weeks = Worth it.

    Malkor on
    14271f3c-c765-4e74-92b1-49d7612675f2.jpg
  • ege02ege02 __BANNED USERS regular
    edited June 2008
    Malkor wrote: »
    I'm trying to decide if the 45 minute walk each way to class each day is worth the gas I'd save.
    Music player + New and different music every few weeks = Worth it.

    At 99 cents per song, it's probably not.

    ege02 on
  • DocDoc Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited June 2008
    I'm trying to decide if the 45 minute walk each way to class each day is worth the gas I'd save.

    It will improve your health, too.

    Doc on
  • ElJeffeElJeffe Roaming the streets, waving his mod gun around.Moderator, ClubPA Mod Emeritus
    edited June 2008
    Doc wrote: »
    I'm trying to decide if the 45 minute walk each way to class each day is worth the gas I'd save.

    It will improve your health, too.

    Why not get a cheap bicycle and have a 15 minute ride instead of a 45 minute walk?

    ElJeffe on
    I submitted an entry to Lego Ideas, and if 10,000 people support me, it'll be turned into an actual Lego set!If you'd like to see and support my submission, follow this link.
  • deadonthestreetdeadonthestreet Registered User regular
    edited June 2008
    I'm moving in a month and a half and a bike is just one more thing to drag along

    deadonthestreet on
Sign In or Register to comment.