Posted on 10/02/2005 8:06:37 AM PDT by Flavius
WASHINGTON (AFP) - More bicycles than cars have been sold in the United States over the past 12 months, with rising gas prices prompting commuters to opt for two wheels instead of four. ADVERTISEMENT
Not since the oil crisis of 1973 have bicycles sold in such big numbers, according to Tim Blumenthal, executive director of Bikes Belong, an industry association.
"Bicycle sales are near an all-time high with 19 million sold last year -- close to the 20 million sold during the oil embargo in the early 1970s," said Blumenthal, whose association is based in Boulder in the western state of Colorado.
The US Chamber of Commerce says more bicycles have been sold than cars over the past 12 months.
In a country where most of the population still relies heavily on cars, some 87 million people have climbed on a bike in the past 12 months, Blumenthal said.
While less than car sales, bike sales generate about five to six billion dollars of business a year, he said.
Bicycles are back mainly because the sharp increase in gas prices has made them a practical alternative, said Paul Gaiser, owner of Scooter Commuter in Bethesda, Maryland.
"Above all it's the higher price of gas, but also it's concern for the environment and the cost of another car," Gaiser told AFP.
The average price of gas in the United States has increased 47.3 percent in a year, according to figures published last week by the American Automobile Association.
Gaiser believes the bicycle trend is no passing fad.
"Our sales have quadrupled in the last two months," he said. "I think it's a major paradigm shift. It's here to stay."
Cyclists on the streets of the US capital agreed.
"I bought my first bike six months ago to go to college. I could not do without it. It's faster in traffic and less expensive," said Erik Lubell, a student at George Washington University wearing a multi-colored helmet.
Near the affluent district of Georgetown, Stella Hardwood said she had a different motivation.
"I don't want to put on weight and my bike forces me to exercise," Hardwood said.
The superstar status of cycling champion Lance Armstrong, who has won the Tour de France seven times, has also helped spark interest in the sport.
The US government has also done its part to promote a more bicycle-friendly environment. Some 3.5 million dollars in federal money has been set aside to create cycling trails over the next four years.
A man rides his bicycle past a colourful mural in the Columbia Heights area of Washington. More bicycles than cars have been sold in the United States over the past 12 months, with rising gas prices prompting commuters to opt for two wheels instead of four.(AFP/File/Paul J. Richards)
This will address obesity as well. Kill two birds with one stone.
The training wheels are a nice touch!!
Bicycles are great! I have put on 1,500 miles cycling this summer. Dropped 25 pounds, built muscles and stamina. I load it up in my SUV and drive great distances to scenic bike trails.
"I think it's a major paradigm shift. It's here to stay."
I think he's wrong.
Bikes for exercise are one thing, but using a bike in lieu of an automobile in some areas (including mine) is suicidal. There are not adequate shoulders on the roads, traffic is heavy and people drive like maniacs.
I've been in that position !!!
Look at the photo of the man riding past the "colorful mural." His bicycle seat is too low, and his feet are positioned incorrectly on the pedals. (The ball of the foot, not the arch, should be over the pedal axle.) It hurts just to look at him.
Him, too!!!
Yeah bicyle through this...(syracuse ny)...
Bicycle Safety Introduction
Bicycling is a common means of transportation as well as an increasingly popular source of recreation, exercise, and sport. With more than 100 million bicycle owners, the popularity of bicycling has reached an all-time high.
* Along with increased use of bicycles comes the risk of significant injuries. According to national statistics, more than 1.8 billion bicycle outings occur each year, resulting in nearly 580,000 visits to Emergency Departments. Injuries attributable to bicycling range from common abrasions, cuts, and bruises to broken bones, internal injuries, head trauma, and even death.
* Almost 800 bicyclists die annually, and 20,000 are admitted to hospitals. From a statistical standpoint, bicycle riding has a higher death rate per trip or per mile of travel than being a passenger in an automobile.
* The most common cause of bicycle crashes is due to falls or collisions with stationary objects. Collisions involving motor vehicles account for 90% of all bicycle-related deaths and 10% of nonfatal injuries. The majority of these bicycle deaths are caused by head injuries.
Last updated: Aug 10, 2005
there is nothing worse then dodging bicyles on the road.
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