The underlying issue here is that moped emissions aren't regulated in
the US like other motor vehicles. I think we'd all be in favor of
mopeds versus cars if they didn't stink. In Europe you have 4-cycle as
well as emissions controls being required on motorcycles and mopeds.
But since our govt won't even increase fuel economy, I can't see that
happening unless California does it first.
Here's a few thoughts:
UW engineering students participate nationally in contests to lower
vehicle emissions (hybrid auto and snowmobile). Have a design
competition for a retrofit kit to lower moped emissions, subsidize
production and cost to install with campus moped use permit. (ok,
dreaming a bit here)
Offer free moped parking near classes/dorms for low emissions mopeds,
charge other moped users. Unfortunately it looks like UW is going the
other way; they have added moped parking for free, generally on
sidewalks where it's illegal to drive them.
Actually enforcing (ticketing) illegal moped parking would do a lot to
discourage use, could also charge for parking like they do for cars and
motorcycles. Again, UW going the other way. My guess is they are being
lenient on mopeds to encourage using them instead of cars.
Which leads back to the aforementioned making them uncool. How about
some t-shirt slogans:
Mopeds Stink! Pedal, don't pollute!
Mopeds - all the utility of a bicycle, all the emissions of a bus.
Of course if I wear one they won't sell, being one of those uncool
middle aged bureaucrats.
--
Doug Adler
Space Science & Engineering Center
University of Wisconsin-Madison
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
608-265-9908
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