bikeseattle.org

The price of gasoline is inching up again, a trend which seems to generate increased interest our bicycle commuting classes over here at Cascade Bicycle Club. Looking at the numbers spiraling upward on that gas pump can be an edifying experience. But as stark as its cost may be, gasoline is only one part of the picture. There are many other expenses associated with driving an automobile. The driver bears some of them directly, through insurance, maintenance, and depreciation. Collectively, we pay for the rest: emergency room visits, road building and maintenance, pollution, and productivity lost to congestion, just to name a few. These expenses are on your tab whether you drive every day or not at all.

Take a look at this calculator I found on the website of “Commute Solutions”, a program of the Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission: The True Cost of Driving. It’s easy to use, and can show you just what you’re saving by riding your bike. Maybe it’ll make you want to ride more often.