Thursday, October 06, 2005

'A more fuel efficient vehicle, like a bike'

More local news outlets have picked up the story that more people are riding their bikes and adding some local flavor by talking to bike shop managers and owners. In Houston, a bike shop has seen a steady gain in sales in recent months. This TV station in Hampton Roads, VA, talked with bike commuters in the District of Columbia.

WVAW in Charlottesville, VA reported that 70% of people are driving less, according to the AAA's latest survey. "Almost 12 percent say they're driving a more fuel-efficient vehicle, like a bike." They spoke with Mark Gordon of the Bike Factory who said his business is up 30% for the year. "I've noticed a lot of people are outfitting their bikes more for commuting that what they were really meant for," said Gordon.

I spoke with Buzz Feldman of High Gear Cyclery in Longmont, Colorado. He tells me that he hasn't been able to keep commuter gear -- bags, racks, lights -- in stock at his shop. The other bike shops in town report a large increase in repair business as well as sales, which is very unusual for this time of year.

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