The executive director lives a pleasant walking distance, 8 blocks, from work but drives a nice car every day. I almost never discuss appropriate transport with people at work. Today I went into the director's office and there was an electric scooter. Personally I'd rather walk than be seen on that dorky thing but it's better than driving so I just said "cool". When the higher up people set an example like that maybe the idea that you don't have to drive everywhere can trickle down.

Today I went into the director's office and there was an electric scooter.
Are you noticing there are more people experimenting with transportation? I see quite a few more scooters and mopeds on the road since last year. Also, I see quite a few more folks cycling to work.

Am I imagining this?

here locally they are illegal I believe, but people use them anyway, I passed some guy riding one the other day, he was going maybe 17-18mph

Lots of those here. Plus a couple GEM electric cars.

Are you noticing there are more people experimenting with transportation? I see quite a few more scooters and mopeds on the road since last year. Also, I see quite a few more folks cycling to work.

Am I imagining this?

No, I think you're absolutely right. The vast majority of people are still driving, but I see a LOT more people on bicycles than I did a year ago. It's actually become a pain in the ass to find a place to lock up your bike in some areas. In addition, I see a lot more motor scooters, mopeds, and motorcycles, just as you do. And let's not forget car sales. Apparently, sales of SUVs have plummeted in the last couple of months, as people hold off on new car purchases until they figure out what gasoline prices are going to do (as if they didn't already know). On a more personal level, I've noticed that my friends and acquaintances are far less amused about my decision to go car-free than they used to be. Instead of making fun of me, some of them are asking questions now.

I have seen a large increase in the number of motorcycles in traffic. I think in part that may be due to the summer weather, but I do believe that the increase in gas prices is helping fuel it too. If all goes right I will be joining them in the next 6 months or so:o then in another year, going back to cycle commuting.:D No noted increase in bicycles, however in the local comment section of the local news station the usually cyclist bashing has been on the rise, which indicates to me that there may be more cyclists on the roadways:rolleyes:

Aaron:)

I have definitely seen an increase in bicycles on the road here. I live on a street that parallels a main artery so it's used as a bike route. I see more and more cycles pass by all the time. And I see more and more other commuters during my commute as well. There have always been a lot of motorcycles here, at least in the summer, so it's hard to tell if there are more now, but I do know of a few at work that have bought motorcycles recently to save on gas.

When the higher up people set an example like that maybe the idea that you don't have to drive everywhere can trickle down.
This would be a stunning example for an organization, but I think it is very rare. I remember reading about a Calgary CEO who biked to work, but can't think of any other examples. Mostly the newer recruits around here seem to be younger people and when I talk to them they will mumble something like "yeah... great fun and good for the environment too." I think the fun aspect would be the real seller, except where an organization is populated with lapdogs.