That might be a simple solution, and if the price continues to go up, it might be the only solution. On the other hand, it doesn't seem to be happening now. We've heard media reports that the record gas prices have not deterred people from driving. I drive to work, and every morning it seems like there are more people on the road. The fact that they continue to drive is another reason why the price continues to escalate.
If I could wear shorts to work, I might consider riding my bike to work, even though it's probably about 5 miles. I suspect that if the prices keep going up, the dress code is going to change. Looks like we may be morphing into China.
The price of gas in Germany was more than $4.00 a gallon when I was there in 2001. Didn't keep people from driving Mercedes. If the climb in prices is gradual enough, habits will change gradually. SUVs will likely be replaced by minivans, and then minivans by smaller minivans. Maybe we can get beyond the ritual of giving every 16-year-old his own car.