The summer season is quickly sneaking up on us. It’s about that time to put away our sweaters, scarves, space heaters- and our mom’s gas guzzling mini van. Gas prices are flying high right now and are predicted to reach nearly $5.00 this summer by the Energy Information Administration. Those huge, exciting road trips the majority of us have planned may not be as enjoyable as we intended them to be; instead of being able to relax on our vacation, we’ll spend time worrying about our budgets.

There are several factors why gas prices are increasing, other than the fact that demand for oil naturally increases during the summer vacation season. This spring’s main contributing factor is the potential military action against Iran, disrupting the U.S. and Iran’s nuclear program. According to the EIA, several reports have been made about a few U.S. oil refineries closing due to plunging refining capacity, which is also not helping the decline of gas prices this spring.

There’s not really a way we, as individuals, can fix this international problem, and there probably won’t be for a while. Gas prices are still going to be high no matter how many gas boycotts are organized.

So this summer, we all need to take advantage of our bicycles, our alternative fuel vehicles and our own feet if we want to make even a slight change. Instead of spending your next six paychecks on filling your tank just a few times this summer, let’s all spend them on buying new bikes. Problem Solved.