Tag Archives: ride your bike

Tough Times Ahead

Posted on by
19

This just in from NewsCarsonCity.com:

Governor Jim Gibbons, who for months on end has been repeating his mantra of “no new taxes” has been confronted with what many economists and government financial experts call the “point of no return” on even just basic state services like medicaid, mental health care for the seriously disturbed and running safe prisons. Gibbons told reporters in a meeting of his financial advisers today that Nevada is bleeding profusely and that tax revenues are plunging.

Possible new tax sources could include a first-ever corporate income tax, expanded sales taxes on services, like car repairs, dry cleaning, and more. Higher fees to register and transfer ownership of cars and trucks. A temporary state-wide boost to the sales tax. A shorter work week for state workers, bonding for the rest of the state’s tobacco settlement fund and other options.

Gas prices are currently down, but I don’t expect this to last. In fact, it will not be surprising to see shortages in 2009! And according to the above article, it looks like cost of ownership for cars will almost certainly rise in the coming months here in Nevada. Obviously driving less and eliminating a new car purchase will save you a lot of money down the road. Keep your old car going, and figure out ways to utilize your bicycle more. Bicycle purchase, repair, and maintenance will cost you far less than the cheapest Hybrid automobile, and besides, cycling is way more fun.

The “shorter work week for state workers” is also of special interest to me, since this may directly affect me and many of my cycling brethren. I’m already running pretty lean on the finances, but I suppose I could get by with a little less. It seems there is always some place to trim the fat. I’m not sure how many hours would be cut, but the thought of extra hours for a bike ride could be a silver lining. Mutli-hour Friday afternoon bike rides anyone?

Oil Crisis?

Posted on by
29

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
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.