MyWHaT

Virtual Lobby

Today, Michigan Complete Streets is asking for people to participate in a virtual lobby in support of action by the League of Michigan Bicyclists to ‘lobby for Complete Streets and more funding and federal support for bicycling in Michigan’. More information at MichiganCompleteStreets.org.

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Hypermile challenge

Today’s hyper-mile challenge from Cheboygan back to Traverse City failed to meet expectations. After getting 46mpg on the way north, I aimed for 50mpg on the return journey.

MPG readings should be mandatory on all cars...http://bit.ly/akOygx

As you can see, I failed by 2-tenths. I might have succeeded if only there was a roundabout at 3-mile and US-31, as the 90 seconds I spent at the red light really hurt the last leg. Roundabouts are up to 30% more fuel-efficient than signalized intersections.

Still, for a car that is rated 27 city/33 hwy, the manual Honda Fit can be pushed to almost match the ratings for the Toyota Prius. My basic approach is to stay steady. I maintained the speed limit the entire distance, and didn’t quickly accelerate to reach it as fast as possible. Instead, at intersections I applied even pressure as I worked through the gears.

Also, at intersections I coasted up to them as much as possible. If its red, its red; there’s no sense in racing. And, there’s no sense in breaking. When hypermiling, only appply your breaks when you really must.

As the question/answer goes, “What’s your mpg when you’re waiting at a red light? … yeah, zero mpg, you’re going nowhere.“

The EPA has the basic steps to better efficiency and if you want to go advanced (illegal in some states) you can visit www.CleanMPG.com. CleanMPG has the beginners, intermediate and advanced guide to hypermiling

The basics really are about simply being a better, more aware driver.

And a more safe driver at that…

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Speaking of roundabouts

On today’s journey, I swung through Gaylord to peak at their roundie. Full of student drivers as it’s in front of a high school, but also a busy trucking route. Yes, trucks can navigate a roundabout.

I was called on assignment in Cheboygan today and didn’t quite finish my intended posts. However, this does give me a chance to try to post via my phone & email.

What to post about? Well, part of my job as a photographer I dont like is the driving. This is particularly a strong feeling as thousands of barrels of crude are gushing into the Gulf of Mexico everyday.

My small part: hypermiling! A combination of doing anything and everything to increase MPG.

To toot my own horn, my little Honda & I hit 46mpg as we rolled into town. I didn’t do anything too special but maintain a constant smooth speed, coasted when possible and only drafted a few times. I’m going for 50mpg on the return.

I’ll also try to post a video of the Gaylord roubdabout.

Cheers from this little mobile gadget.