Lifestyles

Commuter Bikes Answer The Call For "Greener" Modes Of Getting Around

Posted: 9/7/2010

Commuter Bikes Answer The Call For "Greener" Modes Of Getting Around .

(NAPSI)-With gas prices high, the economy downturned and a greater consumer shift toward environmentally friendly products and living a "greener" lifestyle, bicycling is steadily growing as a regular mode of transportation. Bicycle manufacturers are catering to this market by producing new lines of commuter bikes designed specifically for daily transit.

Commuting via bicycle is healthier for both the environment and the cyclist. According to the League of American Bicyclists (LAB), a four-mile round trip by bicycle prevents the production of 15 pounds of air pollution. If just one out of every 10 commuters who now drive to work switched to bicycling, the savings would amount to 2 billion gallons of gasoline per year and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 25.4 million tons.

Performance Bicycle, the nation's No. 1 specialty bike retailer, recently launched the TransIt line of city and commuter bikes to help people make cycling part of their everyday routine. "I think we're in the midst of a renaissance of the American bicycle, and commuter bicycles are going to play a larger role in that trend," says Performance CEO Jim Thompson.

Many cities across the country are taking the initiative to encourage local commuters to bike to work by developing commuter bike paths and bike lanes on city streets. They also are providing bike "parking." Cycling to work and around town definitely takes planning, so commuters should take the time to map the best route, know how long the ride takes in order to leave in plenty of time, and possibly bring a change of clothes if it is hot.

Having the right bike is also of the utmost importance if you plan to trade in your car keys for two wheels. Fortunately, the new generation of transit or commuter bikes are designed to handle well and remain durable in urban environments--they can take the abuse of daily commutes far better than other types of bicycles.

Commuter bikes can range in price from $500 to $900 and address different needs and preferences. Performance Bicycle's TransIt line, for instance, includes five different models. One, the TransIt Kenan, is designed specifically for students to hop curbs, descend stairs and weave between walkers. Other models offer versatility, combining speed, utility and style. For a more complete list of commuter options, visit www.performancebike.com.