Rising gasoline prices are encouraging Richmonders to take a second look at the bicycles gathering dust in the back of the garage. Save on gas … get more exercise … Could be a winning combination.
“It’s been really interesting with gas prices -- we’ve gotten a couple of calls with people commuting more. They ask about routes and best practices,” Champe Burnley, a board member of the Richmond Area Bike Association, told Alec Depcrynski with Richmond BizSense. “It’s very rewarding to see that. People are looking at cycling not only for recreation but for transportation needs.”
Changing consumer attitudes may be hard on automobile dealers, but they’ve been good for the area’s bike shops. A national survey completed by Bikes Belong Coalition found that the majority of retailers have seen increases in sales and services this year, and many believe that high gas prices are responsible. Seventy-three percent of retailers said that they are selling more bikes in 2008 compared to 2007. Eighty-four percent said that they are selling more parts and accessories, writes Depcrynski.
Richmonders aren’t just buying new bicycles, they’re looking for accessories, parts and repairs for old bikes -- nationally, 88 percent of bicycle retailers said they are selling more parts and service -- and they're buying more scooters, mopeds and electric bikes as well. More.