Bike Shops Like High Gas Prices

Anyone riding their bike more since gas prices are through the roof? Lots of people are according to MSNBC:

Four-dollar-a-gallon gas is good for business — if you run a bike shop.

Commuters around the country are dusting off their old two-wheelers — or buying new ones — to cope with rising fuel prices, bicycle dealers say.

"Everyone that comes in the shop is talking about the gas prices," said Barry Dahl, who opened Barry's Bikes in Bismarck in April. He sold more than 50 bicycles in the first month, double the projections in his business plan.

Bicycle shops across the country are reporting strong sales so far this year, and more people are bringing in bikes that have been idled for years, he said.

That's the way the economy goes -- something goes up in price (gas) and people adjust, competition responds, and the market moves (more sales of bikes.) I'm sure it's no where near enough to make up for the higher costs people are absorbing from gas, but still, it's a good way to save money if you have several short trips and don't need to carry a lot and/or need to be dressed up.

Comments

[Aaron]

I *am* riding my bike to work, but not because of the gas prices. It's actually the easiest way for me to get mileage in so on my other rides I can concentrate on riding hard.

My wife actually works for one of the top shops in town (http://chainwheel.com) and says that the numbers of folks coming in for commuting advice is climbing pretty good. They actually did a special sale a few weeks bike with a really nice how to presentation for new commuters.

[Mark]

In my area, riding a bike to work from my home that's only four miles from work is just not worth the risk to my life. Too many hills, blind corners, and overhaning trees, not to mention the large SUVs and trucks that navigate our narrow, shoulder-less roads. If I had just stayed at the old apartment that was five miles away on the other side of town, riding my bike would have been a no-brainer.
A better option is to ditch the suburban tract home and move closer to work. Just be sure to split the difference with your spouse's work. Even if it's more expensive, it would be a great opportunity to downsize everything. You may find that your bicycle options get better the closer you get to your workplace.

[Lance]

I began riding my bike to work last spring - I was training for a triathlon and wanted more time on the bike. After the triathlon, I was enjoying it so much that I continued until the weather got bad (and the mornings dark). I am pretty lucky in that there is a bike path about 1/2 mile from my house, and I'm able to take that for about 2/3 of the 9 mile trip. I enjoy getting out for the health benefits, but this year especially, it's become a real money saver with gas prices. I estimate that I save about $5 each day from my 18 round trip ride. I'm able to ride about 2 - 3 times each week. And I feel great when I get to work, it's a great way to start the day!

[Kevin]

Wish I could, but it's like a 20 mile trip with a interstate highway bridge involved. Perhaps when we move in the next couple years we'll be closer to the office.

[Joshua]

My wife and I have been car-free bicycle commuters since late 2001. All it takes is good planning and willingness to never have be in a hurry to get somewhere. We live in between our works- 2 1/2 miles to my job and 9 blocks to hers.

[Isaac]

I rode my bike last year when gas prices went up but had to stop when I started going to school after work. Now that the summer is here, I am planning on starting again with the option to ride the bus instead of driving. Cutting out one fill-up per month saves me $60/month and even if I rode the bus it only costs me $32 a month, so my net savings is $28.

[OL]

If you're buying a bike, make sure you get pedals and shoes that let you clip in. It makes it so much easier :) I was hardly using my bike, but recently bought pedals and shoes and have been enjoying it a lot more. And although I'm not commuting with it, I have started to use it for errands. Maybe this is obvious to a lot of you, but I didn't come from a biking background so I skipped pedals and shoes when I first bought my bike.

[rwh]

I agree pedals are pretty important:)

I've biked to work for the last 12 years and 15 of the last 19 years. We bought our current house 12 years ago specifically because it was close to work, schools, stores and entertainment. We hate the high gas prices, but we're very happy we don't have to drive everyday.

[Anitra]

I'd love to try riding my bike to my new job, but I've been told that to stay on the safe side, I shouldn't ride at all this summer, since I'm pregnant. :(

I am going to try to start walking to the grocery store as the weather warms up (about a quarter-mile from our house).