Published: June 11, 2008 10:07 am      

Drivers cutting back on trips

What do you think?

As gasoline prices rose this spring, some people may have made vehicle purchases or made travel plans because of the projected cost of fuel.

Regular gasoline has hit $4 per gallon and some industry spokesmen are predicting a price of $5 per gallon this summer.

This week The News asked residents if the cost of fuel and expected increases have caused them to change any travel plans or purchase plans. Their responses follow.

Paul Hershberger, Goshen — “I am driving less and not going as far. We combine errands. We went to a doctor’s appointment Monday and we combined seven things in that one trip. And I have a bicycle, too.”

Eric McDowell, Middlebury — “I just bought a scooter a couple weeks ago. I will ride it to work to Goshen. I got 104 miles per gallon in the first week and 119 the second week. The dealer said it should get better as time goes on, up to 125 mpg. I have had a BMW for six years which gets 16 in town and 22 on the highway.”

Dagan Bontrager, Goshen — “I pretty much bike everywhere I go. I plan on taking a trip to Colorado this summer, driving there. I will probably drive slower on the trip than I usually would drive.”

Brooks Koble, Goshen — “I did buy a motorcycle just to ride to work. I expect to save $600 this summer on fuel. I have no changes in plans. I will seek first the kingdom of God. He will take care of the rest.”

Gary Askren, Goshen — “I walk everywhere I go. I will only drive the car when I have to, to get groceries or to go to South Bend. I’m a one-man boycott against the high price of gasoline.”

Travis Philpot, Syracuse — “I’m afraid it will affect my new business. I operate a business on the lake, a barbecue business at Lake Wawasee. It is called the Chicken Boat and I will be sitting at the sandbar.”