Why, in car commercials, are we still supposed to believe that 30 mpg is good mileage? I remember when I was still a car owner (ahem!) and bought a car that was rated at 30 mpg on the highway — a very small car at that. I was disappointed. “What? That’s all? All that technology, and that’s the best they can do?” Of course, gas was like $1.20 then, and eco-consciousness was not as widespread. At least, I was clueless. I thought recycling was enough.
Now, the same auto company still does not have their own hybrid technology, even though I met a guy recently who mistakenly said they did it first. This same car company has a new SUV out this year.
Gee. The auto-industry really seems to have their own self-preservation in mind.
What?
In the morning, I get four miles per bagel and then some on my hybrid [bike]. In the afternoon, not so much, going all up hill. Maybe like four miles on a whole croissant. That’s a steep hill, and I’m my own heavy cargo.
Tags: bagel, Baltimore, Bikes, cars, Cycling, gas mileage, Green, hybrid
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September 30, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Saltation
>30mpg
yeah, me too. i’ve noticed the exact same thing, and have had exactly the same “wtf?” reaction as you
October 2, 2008 at 7:23 pm
leslie
I really like the “zero to 60 in 6 seconds” line, or some variation thereof. Why?
I am not a math genius, but if our best a brightest could double our gas mileage, we could either cut our cost per gallon in half, or drive twice as far on what we were buying. Yes?
October 4, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Network Geek
We can send a man to the moon, but we can’t build a solar-powered car. Which is more important to the world?
If the people in charge really wanted to fix some of these things, they could. I knew the sister of an engineer who did work for the car companies and they’ve been able to build a car that is virtually indestructible with little to no maintenance for years, but it’s not in the car company’s best interests to build that kind of car.
Same thing with cars that get better mileage.
On the plus side, though, I saw a guy in what was obviously a home-built recumbent bike with wind canopy the other day on the way to work. So, at least some people, even in Texas, are taking things into their own hands to improve their world! Yea! I just wish I were brave enough to face the drivers on my commute on my bike!!
October 5, 2008 at 9:22 am
Johnny
Dang, if you could grab a photo of that guy, that would be great. Hey, that sort of sail would help me in hilly Baltimore:)
My father (military guy) told me about an engine that “the government” developed years ago that blew everything on the market away. Not only did they not use it; they squashed it. Sumbitch got 100 mpg!
I’d like to think that the oil lobby would lose some power when we get our heads out of our butts and develop better ways to travel than burning dead plants and dinosaurs. But if nothing else changes with it, it’ll just be wind-farmers and bicycle builders who pressure the government instead. While I could live with the results of them getting their way, the whole process makes me sick.
October 17, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Network Geek
You know, I haven’t seen that guy again since I left the comment. More’s the pity. If I do, though, I’ll try and get a shot of him with my cell.
October 17, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Johnny
:^)
My friend in Portland sent me a shot of a man who lives in his bike.