The Future of Transportation
A few weeks ago we had an energy fair at my work place. As part of the fair a hydrogen fuel cell car was on display. When it comes to transportation, I think we spend too much time trying to find more fuel efficient and cleaner cars when we should spend more time trying to get people out of cars. Not that we shouldn’t look for cleaner cars. We need to put more effort on getting people out of cars. But trying to get people to change their habits is hard and this car was rather cool.
It was very quiet when running. There was only a little clicky clicky sound. Supposedly it has very good pickup speed. And the exhaust was water vapor. There are a few test cars on the road. You can go to a web site and sign up to be a consumer tester. One of the criteria is being near a fuel center.
I was wondering and asking about where you go to refuel. There are a few Shell stations where you can go to refuel. Why Shell would have these I don’t know. When I asked I didn’t get a good answer.
I wonder how it was for my grandparents when automobiles first started to come into existence. Where did they go to refuel? How long did it take for all the businesses that support our love affair with the car to pop up in every town?
Here is a picture of a filling station that my grandfather and grandmother built and operated.
I don’t know when they built it. I am thinking it was the late thirties or early forties. This business was never in operation in my memory but the building is still there. I can remember when people who worked at filling stations wore nice uniforms and a hat like my grandfather is wearing.
I would really like to have that old bike leaning against the building. I notice that in this pic there is no fuel pump. I wonder if this was originally built as just a little store and fuel was added later. These are questions for Aunt Zilla before she is gone.
We take so much for granted. My parents told me that when they first started using cars in the country it was only a fair weather thing. In the winter they still used horses and sleds. They didn’t have snow plows for those rural roads yet.
Many people don’t realize that it was bicyclists who initially pushed for more and better roads.
I wonder what my great grand children will be driving. If I have my way they will be bicycling more than driving.
Enjoy Friday Foto Fiesta and your weekend.
November 14th, 2008 at 9:13 am
While your zealous advocacy for biking is truly admirable, it has to be balanced by the reality that there are many folks like me for instance who don’t have the comfort level, ability or the nerve to bike on busy roads so more fuel efficient automation for the less fortunate like us is critical:)
Having said that this is a great post and very educational. I love the picture of the filling station and the other insights you have provided.
November 14th, 2008 at 11:14 am
What an AWESOME picture! When cars started coming around - my great grandparents lived in TX and lived close to all of the oil fields (the skies were littered with derricks) so I’m pretty sure they had fuel close by association. You make a very good point though. In whatever change you make, it takes a while for it to cycle out to all areas. Think about cable. I love that car though.
I admire your love for biking! Around here with our hills and mountains, I don’t see it happening too much though.
Thanks for sharing the pic!
November 14th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
What a contrast of pictures!
November 14th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
I have seen that picture a hundred times and I have NEVER noticed the bicycle in the background. I have to admit I am a little scared of hydrogen-powered cars, due to the highly volatile hydrogen gas they use. Kind of like driving around a miniature Hindenberg.
November 14th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
I would tell you that my daddy used to flip me a quarter to go fill my mini bike up, but i’m afraid I’d be dated and everybody would think I was old! LOL
November 15th, 2008 at 9:20 am
I love the pic of Grandma and Grandpa! I noticed the bicycle right away. How appropriate it is in the picture.
November 15th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
It sure is fascinating to compare where we were to where we are now. Unfortunately I’m not sure that all progress is good.
November 18th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Shell has been in hydrogen research for at least 15 years. They have a research facility in Iceland and have dozens if not hundreds of patents on hydrogen technology. That was/is their way to make sure they can still make money when oil will be(come) less popular for transport uses.
There is a lot of money to be made if hydrogen is popular and people need to use your technology (production and transportation of it and storage and fuel cell tech).
November 19th, 2008 at 7:57 am
That makes sense. Thanks for the info.