August 2008

From “zip-ping” to “velib-ing,” sexy alternative transportation solutions take the sting out of filling up When considering alternative transportation solutions, Mireya Navarro asks in her New York Times piece this week if it’s “really possible to be passionate about a compromise,” to which we reply, “yes, yes, and MORE yes!”  As gas prices have everyone rethinking that three-year SUV lease, car manufacturers and cities around the world have devised stylish solutions for alternative transport and we can’t wait to get on board. Navarro writes, “For decades, automakers pitched cars as sex symbols, as extensions of drivers’ freedom or affluence or eye for beauty.”  We think there is nothing sexier than keeping an eye on the environment while zipping about town and celebs like Cameron Diaz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Susan Sarandon agree. Here are some highlights from our favorite alternative solutions.

Bike Borrowing: A pay-as-you-go system, the velib’ in Paris was such a huge hit when it launched last summer, more bikes are being added as we type.  Other cities around the world include Barcelona, Stockholm, and Copenhagen, with Washington D.C. debuting the US market this summer. City Car Sharing such as Zipcar, CityCarShare, igo and City Car Club have you covered in New York, London, Chicago, Philly, and the Bay Area, to name a few.  Users pay small monthly fees and then rent by the hour (we’re talking $5.00, people.) Hybrids: We thought Toyota had this market locked up with the Prius, but we just saw our very first Smart car in New York City this weekend – adorable!  Mercedes and Porche also have hybrids (who knew?) and you can check out a slew of others here.