(Originally written Nov. 06)
Just posted a new page at metrompg about...
How the cargo trailer I made for my beater 10-speed bike is hurting my MPG:
(
130+ lbs: moving two Metro/Firefly transmissions by bicycle.)
Of course, total fuel used is the most important consideration, but since I typically get better mileage in sub/urban driving than I do on the highway, every time I use the bicycle for a local trip, my proportion of highway mileage for a given tank increases, so my overall mileage drops.
Other than for avoiding crappy weather, the main reason I use the car for local trips used to be to transport something too heavy/awkward for the beater 10-speed to handle.
But with the cargo trailer, I don't need the car for that any more.
So the MPG suffers. (I was going to calculate a figure, but, nah...)
On the plus side, kids seem to love seeing me hauling stuff behind the bike. It's kind of fun hearing them shout "cool! Where did you get THAT?" when I go by.
http://www.metrompg.com/posts/bike-trailer.htm