Biking: the enjoyable and economical choice

By Forest Mullins
Sun contributor
When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race.” —H.G. Wells
More and more locals are choosing to pedal past the pumps as they replace their automobiles for bicycles. Over the last six months Americans have been driving less as energy prices reach record heights. The perpetual observation of dollar bills burning out the tailpipe and enlightened environmentalism has set pedals in motion. The good news, the U.S. Transportation Department estimates that greenhouse gas emissions fell by 9 million metric tons for the first quarter of 2008.
Photo by Mark Goldberg

As more cars remain in their garages, dusty Schwinns are making their way to the streets. Our progressive northern Michigan community has always been a favorite destination for cyclists, but now the spandex has swelled to include more commuting locals.
Everyone has a personal reason why they choose to leave the keys at home and ride their bikes, says Karen Comella, a nurse in Traverse City who bikes most days. “I bike for the health of it; it’s good for the world, and it brings me great joy. I adopted the motto, ‘Live Free or Drive’.” Even in Michigan’s skin-cracking cold winters, Karen and her studded bike tires make tracks on Traverse City streets.
Bruce Tolbert, who moved to the region nine years ago, says, “When I moved up here I didn’t have a car so naturally I rode my bike every day to work. I found it to be liberating, so I continued — not to make excuses for the weather, but just to ride through it.”
As other sectors in our local, state and national economies struggle, bicycle retailers are riding a wave of increased sales.
Technologically advanced and energy efficient vehicles slowly break into the market today, but price points make the trusty bicycle that much more appealing. In Glen Arbor, Crystal River Outfitters owner Matt Wiesen says, “we have definitely seen an increase in bicycle rentals for people to use as a means for trips between their cottages and Glen Arbor. People seem to really enjoy the Beach Cruisers, with their big comfy seats and their smooth ride. Biking is a great way to both experience and explore the area, and people seem to sneak in a number of swims along the way.” Employee Gretchen Shoeman agreed.
“I’ve noticed more bikes in Glen Arbor in general, both vacationers and commuters.”
Tim Brick of Cedar and owner of Brick Wheels in Traverse City adds, “Our store has been noticing a lot more bikes coming out of garages and into our shop for tune-ups.” High metal prices and fuel-driven shipping increases have affected price margins and new bike prices, but bike sales continue to climb. McLain Cycle and Fitness employee Andrew Winters grinned, “commuter sales and accessories are up dramatically this year. Suppliers are having a hard time meeting demand.” Winters added, “Locals are cashing their economic stimulus checks and heading for the bike shops. The main reason people seem to be buying bikes is for transportation, as before it was for fitness.”
According to USA Today, 99.3 percent of bicycles sold in the United States are imported, generally from factories in China and Taiwan. Bike manufacturers such as Giant, Specialized and Trek have all introduced commuter lines to meet the increasing demand in this sector. Older bikes are also on the road with new parts, which is putting the squeeze on the world’s leading bike part manufacturer Shimano.
Older steel framed bikes are enjoying a new life as their owners join in on the “fixed craze”. “Fixies” are stripped-down, single-geared bikes that require little maintenance. Bicycle messengers adopted these simple converted bikes most noticeably in San Francisco. Since then, the fixed gear trend has flooded the streets of Traverse City.
“Fixies” are perfect for anyone seeking a new challenge. Local resident Denise Bean-Larson is founder of www.fixedgeargallery.com, a popular site which lets you post a picture of your fixed gear bicycle to share with the world. Bean-Larson’s site has exploded and currently gets a half a million visitors per month.
Cycling is one of the easiest and most affordable ways an individual can save money while reducing their carbon footprint. Now more than ever we see why biking in our area is not only a fun activity, but a smart choice.