Fuel Free
by Matt Vensel | April 16, 2008 at 6:00 am
Posted in Baltimore, b the paper, baltimore news, the paper
From today’s b, the paper
Pull up. Park. Pump. Pay. Repeat.
Many drivers probably feel like they’re stuck in a scene from “Groundhog Day” as they fuel their vehicles and empty their wallets while in transit between home, school and work.
The script got worse last week, as the Energy Department forecast gas prices as high as $4 a gallon this summer.
Faced with high costs and a heavy carbon footprint, some Baltimoreans are considering the alternative: Ditch your car and find another way to get around Baltimore.
That’s what Brian Kaspr, a 24-year-old Mount Vernon resident, did 10 months ago when he dumped his Accord for a bicycle. He had considered selling his car for a while, and a broken transmission was the last straw.
“The most obvious (reason) was cost,” said Kaspr. “It cost me $1,200 a year in insurance alone, and the rising price of gas wasn’t helping anything.”
He rides to work at Penn Station, pick up groceries, run errands and go out on the town.
“My girlfriend was like ‘Oh, great. I guess I’m going to be hauling your ass around all the time.’ said Kaspr. “No, not really. … It was very liberating.”
More commuters are considering options such as bikes and mass transit.
“You’re starting to see more people on bikes,” said Gary Letteron, 54, an environmental planner with the city’s Office of Sustainability and a cyclist. “I think it’s because of the price of gasoline.”
The city is implementing a $2.5 million plan to create a bicycle network, with marked lanes and signs.
“It’s the city’s goal to support all these different types of riders,” said Doug McCoach, director of the city’s Department of Planning.
Commuters using alternative means have cut expenses and rush-hour angst. Those on two wheels benefit from keeping fit and enjoying nature.
“It’s a lot more fun,” said Mark Counselman, 33, of Charles Village. “It’s a pleasant way to start and end your day.”
But with all the good comes some bad: Cyclists must be on the lookout for aggressive drivers, rain clouds, bike racks and a good deodorant.
“The occasional drivers want to threaten you with their fenders and bumpers or just yell obscenities,” Letteron said. “Which I find is a lovely opportunity to exercise my vocabulary.”
Matt Vensel is a content creator for b. Contact him at matt@bthesite.com.
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April 16th, 2008 at 3:34 pm | Please log in to reply. | Log in to rate this comment | report this comment
Wait, people ride bikes instead of driving cars?! Now I've seen everything. Thank you again for the informative, cutting-edge look at culture in Baltimore.
April 16th, 2008 at 7:14 pm | Please log in to reply. | Log in to rate this comment | report this comment
Rude, bear. I love the photo and I'm glad they ran the article. It's the best one on this site so far. Take your shittay attitude and apply it to someone who deserves it.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:03 pm | Please log in to reply. | Log in to rate this comment | report this comment
Excellent article! More people should consider biking as a viable option for transportation. My husband and I are a one car family and bike when we can. When you only have to fill up your car once a month, your pocketbook appreciates it!