Wayne's World

How do you get the most out of a gallon of gas? Visit Wayne Gerdes' website to find out: http://www.cleanmpg.com/.

Wayne Gerdes is not an environmentalist. Wayne coined the term "hypermiler" and he seemingly invented the sport of driving for maximum fuel efficiency, but he did not do it because he cares about global warming. Wayne invented hypermiling after 9/11 because he realized that some part of every dollar he pays for gas ends up financing Al Quaeda. Now Wayne and his buddies drive 50 MPH on the right side of the highway and do all they can to avoid braking or stopping at lights. It works: Wayne won the 2008 hypermiling competition with an average fuel afficiency of 180 mpg, and he was not driving a hybrid. But he does drive with the windows up and no AC on an 80 degree summer day. Admirable, but is there a better way?

Yes-how about eliminating Waybe's two hour commute to the nuclear power plant where he works? All of us can learn from Wayne about driving smarter and driving better. I have the utmost respect for what he is doing and why-the more we connect environmental goals and national security issues the better answers we will find for both. But-really, the best thing for Wayne and for all of us is not to drive better it is to drive less. The best way to ensure we drive less as a country is to build sustainable cities where people can and do choose to live.