TheScooterScoop

CNN.com – Your e-mails: Diesel, scooters, lifestyle changes among the ideas – Apr 20, 2006: “(CNN) — Gas prices are soaring. The average price of a gallon of regular gas, $2.83, is 27 percent higher than last year, according to the motorists’ organization AAA, and the peak vacation driving season is still ahead.

CNN.com asked for readers’ opinions on how rising gas prices affect their daily routines, how much gas costs in their area and how concerned they are about overall trends in energy pricing. Here is a sampling of responses, some of which have been edited:

Last summer I bought a vintage scooter, and I try to use it for all of my errands. Its max speed is 45 mph, but it gets around 90 mpg! It also takes a little longer to get around, and you smell like fumes by the time you get there, but at least it’s fun and that helps to make up for it.
Julie, Cleveland, Ohio

I used to laugh at the ones on the mopeds, now when I see them I just think how nice it would be to have one and start scheming a way to pay for one. My region is a tourist-based economy and it’s killing that sector of business. Restaurants that normally have a two-hour wait are now left with many empty seats during peak hours. Overall, I think it’s going to be a tough road ahead for many that can’t afford even a slight increase in their weekly budget.
Brandon Paris, Asheville, North Carolina

There are other responses too if you wanna read them. I was looking at the national average on gas prices and saw at least 16 cities that averaged $3+ per gallon. You can see it here if you enjoy having that sick feeling in your stomach.