Green Space: Greening your daily commute

Have you heard? Gas prices are rising?

There has been tons of ink spilled on it, to be sure. Lots of folks are cutting down on their driving, truck and SUV sales are tanking (pun intended) and bike shops across the country are out of stock.

If you are one of the many contemplating a change in your commute, here are some options to consider.

Mopeds and scooters can get up to 100 miles per gallon. The smaller ones, 50cc, range from about 80 to 100 mpg. They can’t be driven on interstate roads, but just about anywhere can be gotten to on non-"number" streets.

Moving up to the 150 cc big brother moped allows you onto any road or highway, and you still can get up to 70 mpg. For 150 and up, a rider needs a motorcycle certification for their license. Schoolcraft Community College in Livonia offer the classes.

Car- and van-pooling is seeing a surge as well. Check out Metromode’s recent feature on that here.

Finally, there’s the tried-but-true bicycle. Most concerns that people have – like weather, carrying a briefcase or bag and sweat, for example – can be allayed with the proper gear.

Head to your local bike shop and talk to someone about adding a rack or fenders, a basket, lights, a bell – the stuff that evolves your rec ride into a commuter.

A small investment that can save you tons of dough (and shed some poundage, too!).

When you have to drive, a few quick tips to improve efficiency: drive at or under 60 mph, as studies show that efficiency rapidly decreases above that speed; don't use the A/C; and combine trips like errands and such as much as possible; and keep your tires inflated to their proper pressure.

Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh