Drivers to desert highways

US strategist, Jeff Rubin predicts that there will be 10 million fewer cars on the highways of America within the next four years. Chief economist at CIBC Markets, Rubin estimates that oil will soar to over $7 a gallon within this time and that many of the 57 million Americans who have access to public transport will start to use it more, in favour of their beloved automobiles. Apparently the change is already starting - car sales have trailed off in the US in recent years and drivers are taking measures to reduce fuel consumption.

We have come up with a list of six plain and simple things that you can do in the face of rising fuel prices:

1. Get a bike for individual journeys - check out your local freecycle network for potential freebies. Electric bikes are a good alternative for longer journeys.

2. Look for a people powered method for family journeys. We like the look of this child carrier from London Recumbents. 

3. Drive fewer miles. Make a list of all the journeys that you make in a week and see if two or more can be combined or perhaps you could organise a liftshare with other parents?

4. When choosing a new car, look for the smallest low-emission vehicle that will meet your needs.

5. Join a car club - a great alternative to personal car ownership, costing under £5 per hour. City Car Club runs schemes in seven cities in the UK. If there isn't one near you, perhaps you could set up an informal arrangement with neighbours?

6. Use public transport as much as possible and if your local area is not well served by buses or trams, campaign to your local council's Transport Office.