Maybe people will ride their bikes more. I am not saying that will solve the whole problem, but it is one step that could, believe it or not, help in some important ways. Many trips that people take today in their cars are relatively shot (5 miles or less from home) and they are driving alone in their cars. You can go five miles in a bike pretty quickly. Even a trip of 10-15 miles in heavy traffic is pretty slow in a car, simply because there are so many cars on the road.
In Holland about 25% of people use their bikes for regular commuting, and there are bike trails EVERYWHERE in the country.
More bike riding would reduce oil use, pollution, and traffic congestion, aside from having positive benefits for the health of individuals. Obesity is a growing problem (pardon the pun) especially among the young.
I’m amazed that over the last 20 years or so our average fuel economy has declined. This isn’t a plot on the part of oil companies or car companies. It’s what people want.
