Walking Instead Of Driving May Save WI Folks $117 A Month, Study Says

WISCONSIN — As gas prices in Wisconsin hit a jaw-dropping record high average of $4.55 on Wednesday, a company calculated residents could save nearly $120 a month by walking instead of driving.

The average Badger State resident could save $117.67 each month by walking to work, convenience stores and the gym, a study by shoe company KURU Footwear said. Across the country, the average American could save $137 every month by walking or using public transportation — which adds to $1,644 per year.

"That means when considering how to save money on gas, even swapping a few commutes per week for a walk, bike ride, or bus ride can add up to meaningful fuel savings over time," the shoe company said in a statement.

Wyoming, Mississippi and New Mexico were the top three states where people could save the most by giving up their commute, the study said. In Wyoming, the average resident would save $263.18 per month.

Wisconsin ranked No. 32 in a list of states with potential gas savings and monthly cost of public transit, the study said. Great Lakes neighboring states Illinois and Michigan ranked No. 30 and No. 31.

The average price for a gallon of gas hit $4.55 on Wednesday, the highest it has ever been in the state after the record was broken consecutively over multiple days, AAA data showed. Before May 9, the record for gas prices in the Badger State was $4.11 in 2011.

Average gas prices were $4.78 in the Waukesha-Milwaukee metro, $4.49 in Madison, $4.81 in Kenosha County and $4.77 in Racine on Wednesday, AAA data showed. The average gallon price was $4.67 across the U.S.

Three quarters of American drivers said they would change their summer travel plans if gas prices reach $5, AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross said in a statement. Meanwhile, crude oil moved above $115 a barrel after the European Union agreed to ban most Russian oil exports.

To read the full KURU Footwear study, click here.