I hear many people say that we’re in the midst of an “Oil Crisis”. I’m seeing a few more bicycles on the road, but I’m not seeing anything close to what I’d call a social change.

I hear some people lament of the high costs of car ownership, and some think that buying a new car is the right way to go. Sure, I can see dumping the old SUV for an economy car helping. But by the time you figure in car payments, registration, and insurance on a new car, you may be back where you started.

Sunset in Petrolpolis

In a crisis, people take drastic measures to correct a problem. I’m observing quite the opposite though. It seems as if people would rather accelerate towards the cliff. People are driving more aggressively than ever, and road rage is a common sight.

I recently read an MSNBC article that said people are starting to give up on conservation, and move towards a “more drilling” solution. Like they feel they’ve pretty much done all they can do, and the only solution is to pump more oil. Any new drilling will take years to bring new supplies online, and will only be a drop in the barrel when you look at our daily consumption. The days of cheap oil are over.

I’ve heard some refer to oil as a drug, and I think this is a pretty accurate description of what we’re seeing. There’s never been a better time to break the habit. Get those bikes one the road people! I’m not saying to give up your car. Cars can be quite useful when used properly. But for everyday errands and small trips, it’s just oil abuse.

Who out there is breaking the oil addiction? What have you been doing to ween yourself off the stuff? It’s not an easy task. It’s taken me several years to get where I am now. I am thankful though that I’ve had the time to do it gradually, and feel sorry for those that will be shocked into it, kicking and screaming.