Cully_J

Hello,

I'm interested in know how high gasoline prices have effected cycling. Does anybody have hard data?

Are you, like me, noticing more cyclists?

Regards,
Cullen

-=(8)=-

https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/498672-national-geographic-bicycle-bump.html

Speedo

Gasoline prices here are currently pretty low. Not as low as they were about a month ago, but still pretty low by recent standards.

Speedo

Juggler2

I've noticed a few more cyclists, but not many. But, understand, winter is still in full swing around here. Seemed like there were more bicycles than normal being ridden around last fall. Also, on a similar note, I have noticed more vintage motorcycles being ridden in the area. Again, this was last fall.

Cully_J

Gasoline prices might be low by current standards. But, still, compared to years ago, they're astronomical.

Fem in PA, thanks for the link.

crhilton

Gas prices are normal compared to years ago. The lowest I remember was the early 90's and it was just under $1. Now it's $1.80 in that area. Inflation would account for almost all of that price increase.

We currently have 1990's style cheap gas. If it continues like this I'd guess that utility cycling will all but die yet again.

But fear not. I'm sure prices will spike out of control in 10 years and there will be another surge and massive economic recession.

Speedo

What counts as years ago? The chart on this page shows the price history for regular over the past two and a half years.

Your question would have made a lot of sense last summer, and last summer there was a lot of discussion about this very issue, but gas is pretty cheap now.

Speedo

Speedo

If you don't think gas is cheap now look at this page. It has curves going back thirty years. In particular look at the inflation adjusted curves. Gas is pretty cheap now.

That's not to say it won't spike again some time in the future. But at the moment. I don't think that gas prices are driving many people to bike commute.

Speedo

Pat

I do not think that there has been any good source to the numbers of miles ridden by cyclists.

You can get at automobile mileage by looking at the amount of gasoline sold. You just take the average miles per gallon in our existing fleet (which can be arrived at by the makes and models of registered vehicles) and divide to come up with a reasonable estimate. Bikes just don't leave any kind of trail.

solo-rider

I cry

Here in the UK I'm paying 99p per litre = £4.49 per gallon = $6.60


Yeah I drive my car, yes I ride my motorbike and YES I ride my bike a lot more, particularly just popping into town (I live in a small village about 4 miles away). But it's not the fuel price, but the parking cost about £5.50 = $8

dwilbur3

+1 On the parking. Where I work in Sac the best I could do if I paid monthly would be about $5 a day. On the once off basis I use now it's $10 a day.

Speedo

Ouch!

There you go OP. In the UK they've had sustained high fuel prices and other tax schemes to get people out of their cars. They probably have some good stats for you!

Speedo