Worried about the economy, frustrated about getting old, or concerned about the environment? You aren’t the only one. A group of Fergus Fall’s citizens are doing something about all three. They call themselves Human Powered Transport (HPT). They are not a 70s rock band, but a group of people who are taking to the streets biking or walking to work, school, and local errands.
HPT has discovered that we can save money, improve our vitality, and reduce our carbon footprint just by leaving the car at home and getting to work under our own energy.
Every financial advisor on TV or the radio is chanting the same mantra, “Save money by doing simple things.” If you live within two miles of work or daily errands, biking and walking can be a double benefit to saving money. First you save gas and wear on your car. Second you buy fewer things at the store, because you have to carry them home.
Getting older, gaining weight, and losing energy seems inevitable, A brisk walk or bike ride twice a day will do wonders for your vitality. A man in Bloomington MN started biking the eight miles to work in June 2009 when gas was $4.00 per gallon. When the price dropped to $1.60 he was asked if he would return to his car. “I have lost 10 lbs. riding my bike and I feel great. I will never return to the car no matter what the price of gas.” He continues to commute during the winter. WCCO TV video about winter commuting by bike. http://wcco.com/video/?id=50348@wcco.dayport.com
Last July American’s reduced the amount they used their cars. The demand for gasoline dropped by 4% in July 2008 compared to 2007. The price of gas started to drop and continued its decline into winter. If people just reduce their use of cars by 4% we could see changes that benefit the air, less wear on our cars, and less damage to our roads.
These economic times are an opportunity to make changes that will make us more secure, healthier, and better citizens of this planet. Join HPT and see what a difference a few people can make.
HPT will be holding its first public meeting on March 10, 2009 at 7:00 PM at 115 E Cherry St Fergus Falls, MN. Watch this blog for more information.
Monday, February 16, 2009
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