Sun, Nov 08 2009
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Published July 17, 2008 08:27 am - Anyone driving through Tahlequah may have noticed a slight change in the commuter landscape: There are more bicycles, motorcycles and scooters taking to the streets. Saddle up and ride! With gas prices soaring, some folks are turning to alternate modes of transportation, including scooters and bicycles. By TEDDYE SNELL TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS — Anyone driving through Tahlequah may have noticed a slight change in the commuter landscape: There are more bicycles, motorcycles and scooters taking to the streets.
Whether it’s due to skyrocketing fuel costs, or an effort to improve health, area residents like Pam Moore are parking their cars and pedaling. “I have been riding back and forth on ‘my’ blocks where I usually walk: Redbud, Dogwood and Tanglewood, early in the morning, and I ride to the Farmers’ Market each Saturday when the weather’s good,” said Moore. “I am working on getting my confidence level better before I take off for parts elsewhere in the city. Where I live is downhill to everywhere and uphill to home. In other words, I can probably get there, but I am not sure I can get home. I’m working on it, though. I will probably ride more this fall when the weather is cooler.” Dave Rogers, owner of Paceline Cyclery, has noticed a change in transportation attitudes in Tahlequah. “There are both more scooters and more bicycles,” he said. “I’ve seen a huge increase in interest in commuter-style bicycles.” Rogers said people who live anywhere from eight to two miles from work have been frequenting the shop, asking what kind of bicycle would be best not for recreation, but for riding to work. “I’ve also started selling lots of rear racks for bicycles,” he said. “Usually, I’d sell two a month. One week recently, I sold six. Since then, I’ve been selling two or three a week.” The rear racks Rogers is referring to provides space for cyclists to stow backpacks, briefcases and other work-related paraphernalia. “We also have been selling more trunk bags, which fit onto the rear racks,” he said. “They’re great for storing lunches, purses, shoes and jackets that you might need for work.” Rogers, who lives 15 miles from his shop, sometimes commutes himself, and has done the math on the fuel costs savings. “I drive a 2003 full-size GMC truck, and it saves me $8 a day,” said Rogers. “If you do that every day for a month, that’s over $240.” Rogers believes that, with a little perseverance, anyone can become a cycling commuter. “If people would just realize that if they stick with it for three weeks, they’ll be hooked,” he said. “Even if they just use the bicycle for those short trips to a friend’s house or to pick up a gallon of milk, they’ve forgotten, it’s the little trips that end up costing you more in gas just by starting the car.” The “commuter-style” bikes Rogers refers to resemble the Schwinns of yesteryear, with large, comfortable seats, curved handlebars and wider tires. But if you’re looking for one, you’d better hurry, as demand has put stress on manufacturers. “My main brand, Specialized, has totally sold out of commuter-style bikes,” said Rogers. “The president of the company sent me an e-mail apologizing, saying they never thought demand like this would happen as fast as it has.” 
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