Technically, gas hasn't reached $4 yet. But, at $3.999 per gallon, it's a frog hair's width away.
It's a magic -- tragic? -- number for gas consumption. It wasn't until it reached that threshold that I heard people vow to cut back on their driving.
But, in a growing number of communities, there are other ways to cut back on petroleum. That's to drive a higher-mileage unit, such as a golf cart or ATV.
Golf carts typically have mileage in the mid-30s. When they're driven on firm surfaces with fully filled tires, the mileage goes up considerably, close to a moped, one expert said.
Two years ago, Thief River Falls started to allow previously banned ATVs to travel on all roads except state highways.
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"Part of the driving force is that we have a large populace that own ATVs and most of them believe it is more economical to operate them, particularly with the higher fuel costs," TRF Police Chief Kim Murphy said.
Having homegrown Arctic Cat as a huge manufacturer of ATVs probably didn't hurt their persuasiveness. TRF doesn't allow golf carts on the streets yet, but that likely will change, especially if an EZ Go or Club Car manufacturer locates there.
Neighboring Red Lake Falls, Minn., eased restrictions on snowmobiles, golf carts and ATVs a year ago. It previously prohibited snowmobiles from some areas of town, but now all roadways are available.
For golf carts and ATVs, the rules are mostly identical. They include a $10 annual city license, driver's license, proof of insurance, daylight hours only and no driving on sidewalks or bike paths.
"We had too many kids on golf carts and four-wheelers and adults on four-wheelers with no control," said Allen Ducharme, Red Lake Falls city administrator. "The ordinance cleared that all up."
Crookston recently followed TRF's lead by allowing ATVs on streets. Upcoming is consideration for doing the same for golf carts.
"One rationale for adding carts is to save gas," said Aaron Parrish, Crookston city administrator. "Also, there's an opportunity for seniors to enhance their mobility a bit. And, there are others who could keep their carts at home and drive them to the course."
East Grand Forks hasn't joined its northwest Minnesota neighbors in bringing new vehicles to their roadways.
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"It's kind of strange because we do allow snowmobiles," Police Chief Mike Hedlund said. "I wouldn't be surprised if it happens, however."
Especially if $4 gas sticks around.
Reach Bakken at (701) 780-1125; (800) 477-6572, ext. 125; or send e-mail to rbakken@gfherald.com .
