The use of scooters on campuses across the United States is increasing dramatically. BYU has more than doubled their free motorcycle parking permits from around 700 last year to more than 1500 this year. The primary reason for the increase in scooter use is, ofcourse, the high price of gasoline. But there are other reasons to use a scooter or motorcycle that especially appeal to university students.

You get anywhere from 70 to 100 miles per gallon with a scooter and that is economically friendly. Not only is the high efficiency economically friendly but it contributes to our national security. National security you say? Yes – because the less oil we but the safer we will be and the middle east can keep their oil. Insignificant impact you say? Not really – if we all take responsibility for our own carbon footprint maybe we can really make a difference.

Scooters and motorcycles are also easy to park. Ask any university studentm be it BYU or Utah, and you will quickly learn that parking is oftentimes impossible to find an, in the University of Utah's case very expensive. Scooters can be parked in designated areas and at BYU that parking is free.

The only bad thing about scooters is their danger. Scooters can be dangerous because you are unprotected and even a relatively minor crash can cause big injuries. You need to make sure you are properly licensed, I recommend that you take a riders safety class and last but nit least, but enough insurance to make sure you can cover the costs of injury.