Rogers said when visiting Lake Tahoe a couple of years ago, he noticed a trend toward bicycling commuters.

“There were literally more bicycles on the bike paths than there were cars on the road during the morning commute,” he said. “I knew then it was going to be a big deal.”

He believes Tahlequah is the perfect setting for cycling commuters. He read an article that stated any community compacted in a 10-mile radius is optimum.

“We fit that criteria perfectly,” he said. “Anyone who lives inside the Bertha Parker Bypass could easily commute by bicycle. It only makes sense. And it’s beginning to happen. If I see this kind of change in Tahlequah, Okla., it’s going on everywhere.”

Rogers said an entry-level commuter-style bicycle runs anywhere from $300-$400, but will pay for itself inside a year if ridden with any kind of regularity.

Moore believes it’s important to know where your bike comes from.

“I think if you are planning to use a bicycle for local transport, you should buy it from a local [bike] shop, so that you have access to a knowledgeable technician and mechanical support,” she said. “Another thing to remember is to buy for quality so that you can get home – that is, when you’re able to ride uphill for extended periods.”

Linda Pope prefers riding her bike to driving.

“I prefer riding my racing bike, which I bought at a garage sale for $20,” said Pope. “It not only gets me around economically, but I get exercise, as well. No gas fumes to add to the ozone layer.”

Scooters and motorcycles also seem to be gaining popularity. And those who don’t mind a little pedaling - with a boost - may want to consider an electric bike.

According to www.electric-bikes.com, people ride electric scooters and bikes because the enjoy making local errands fun, quick and easy; like to save money, meet new people and protect the environment; and regularly travel farther than the 1-mile range of kick scooters.

Electric bikes work by assisting a cyclist’s pedaling. They’re everyday bicycles with an added battery-powered electric motor.

“The average ‘couch potato’ who normally rides at 10 mph can ride at 15-20 mph using the same effort,” states the site. “He can also expect a range of 10 miles, with a recharge time of several hours. Do you remember that easy pedaling after you get your bike up to speed? That’s the cruising feeling you get all the time with an electric bike.”

While the electric bike may seem attractive from a “couch potato” point of view, they’re a bit more expensive, running anywhere from $600 to over $1,000, depending on preference.

Linda Spyres remembers having a scooter when she was younger.