More trading 4 wheels for 2 to save at the pump

by Leanne Tokars (ltokars@wsbt.com)

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Record gas prices have more people riding their bikes to save money. (WSBT photo)

By Tiffany Griffin

Story Created: May 13, 2008 at 10:25 AM EST

Story Updated: May 15, 2008 at 11:00 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — Prices for a gallon a regular gas soared to $3.95 Tuesday at some local stations. That's the highest we've ever seen here, and it has some people looking to a different kind of pump for relief.

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The National Bicycle Dealers Association says bike shops across the country are seeing strong sales so far this year.

“Now that gas is almost $4, we decided that since it's such a beautiful day we should definitely take advantage of it and ride our bikes around," said Claire Smither who rode her bike to lunch Tuesday.

Another bicyclist told WSBT that gas prices are a big part of why he now rides his bike to work every day.

“Oh, they’re ridiculous. When is it going to stop?!” exclaimed Harold Onderdonk of the gas prices. High gas prices make him happy he uses his bike to get around.

And that’s what’s kicking bicycle sales into high gear.

“The last few weeks have been good. You know, weather bad or weather good, it's still been going pretty well,” said Greg Albright of Albright’s Cycling and Fitness in South Bend.

He says this is usually a good time of year for sales, but gas is playing a role this year.

“We're seeing a lot more accessory sales with racks and bags and baskets and that type of thing,” said Albright.

The same at Outpost Sports in Mishawaka, where it's not just more people coming in to buy bikes.

“More service work, definitely,” said manager Gary Andert. “Some bikes that have cobwebs on them — they're pulling them out of the woodwork.”

And it could mean a record setting year not just at the pump.

“With the way these gas prices are going, more than likely," said Andert of their sales.

Thanks to people like Marvin Mercier, who likes to trade in his four wheels for two.

“I use my van basically to just run to the grocery story or if I have to go somewhere I go, but I don't take it out and just run around like I used to,” explained Mercier.

Friday, May 16 is Bike to Work Day, and State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe is encouraging Hoosiers to try to ride their bikes.

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