Give this snippet of Car talk a listen–I think Tom and Ray present a compelling argument for a national gasoline tax. 

http://www.cartalk.com/piplayer/cartalkplayer.html?play=09smil.xml

The idea is simple–the gasoline tax keeps prices at the pump higher, thereby reducing demand on foreign oil. Money raised is used to fund more sustainable transportation. The catch? The idea hinges on implementing it _now_, while gas prices are surprisingly low. But who’s going to support or propose a new tax in this economy?

Yet, here I am, eager to drive as little as possible, with my primary motivation being that I much prefer spending time on my bike than in a car. Yeah, I’ve saved a lot on gas this year, but I’m sure I’ve spent it all back on maintaining my bikes. And I have several friends who are similarly inclined to use alternatives to personal motor vehicles. So, it is possible to sustain the desired behavior without radical monetary incentives. My question is, what motivates us? Why do we bike? In adverse weather, leaving early, getting home later, compromising personal hygene, risking drivers’ scorn and vehicle collisions?

I’ll wrap this up now before I get too far off topic.. Anyways, what are your thoughts on this tax idea? Or, how else do we promote behavior changes among commuters? Do we  even need to?