$4+ gas = Observable Behavior Changes
by Marissa Madrigal
I've been completely fascinated lately by the change sweeping our city as gas prices have shot into ridiculously un-affordable territory. I for one, no longer drive to work. It sure seems like traffic in general is lighter, even when seasonally adjusted. I've also noticed our perception of "personal space" is shrinking, as anyone who has crammed onto a crowded bus or max in the last few months can attest.
But because things have morphed so quickly, new problems are popping up. Take this story about the no vacancy sign out for bikes on the Max. Sure, it's never been a sure thing that your bike would fit on the Max, especially during rush hour - but kicking bikes (and their riders) off? It's kind of weird. Everything seems a little bit off. Not in a bad way necessarily, just off. Like we're living in Bizarro Portland in a galaxy far, far away.
What do all of you see happening out there? Are you, your friends and family making personal adjustments to cope? Send us your observations and thoughts about the changes you're seeing in Portland on this fine Friday afternoon.
Posted on June 27, 2008
Comments
(Note: Comments are the views of their authors, and no one else.)
Posted by: Warren Fish - July 1, 2008 01:04 PM
I definitely agree that we are in a time where people are reexamining their personal habits around transportation and energy use. This is a moment of opportunity for broad changes to be implemented! But as a speaker from New Zealand at a recent sustainability event here in Portland said [paraphrase], "Gas prices doubled in New Zealand too, several years ago. At first everything was changing, but quickly people readjusted to the new price of gas. This window of opportunity will not stay open long."
BIKE! TRANSIT! RIDESHARE! WALK!
My great hope is that we will sieze this opportunity and do something great with it.