How Flagstaff is Getting Around

We're always talking about taking trips around here, so let's consider some modes of transportation. Of course, Flagstaff has its share of trains and folks seem to either love them or hate them. We love, and increasingly use, our city bus system, Mountain Line. And like the rest of America we have the usual long line cars, trucks, vans and maybe more than our share of motor homes, at every traffic light. And don't forget the semis bringing in all the stuff we need to exist and taking out what we produce and need to sell elsewhere. I think those guys must be suffering the most from this seemingly never ending rise in fuel prices.

But, just take a walk around Flagstaff and you'll see how creative our residents are when it comes to getting from place to place.

Bicycles seem to be the gas-less vehicle of choice. Sometimes it seems there are as many bicycles as cars in the downtown area. Don't misunderstand. That's not a complaint. Cyclists rule.

And how about those skate boards? If you take a close look you can see that these recreational "vehicles" are not just for recreation anymore. Especially when the destination is downhill, they seem to work very efficiently. Not sure about the trip home though.

Motor scooters seem to be gaining in popularity as gasoline prices rise. I guess the savings in gasoline alone will pay for these new beauties in short order.

My personal favorite is a mode of transportation that I saw on the street for the first time today. I don't know what it's called, but it looks just like a large motorized tricycle. The one I saw was pure white and oh, so cool. I could get sure use one just like it.

Of course, walking is always a very viable alternative that takes a lot of energy, but no fossil fuel. And with our gorgeous surroundings, getting around town doesn't get any better than this!