General Cycling Discussion - I've never seen so many people riding bikes-anyone else noticing this?

I've never seen so many people riding bikes as I have this summer. I think its because of the price of gas. Has anyone else noticed a huge upsurge in bicyclists? I'd say about 80% male, 20% female riding all kinds of bikes in all kinds of clothes. The funniest one. I saw a great big (adult) guy all hunched up riding a small kids bike and smoking a cigarette as he rode.

No. I've been expecting it, but haven't seen it.

I've seen or riders commuting to work in the mornings. Bad thing is most don't know how to ride properly. I see them hopping off curbs and sidewalks into traffic. I've nearly slammed on my brakes after guys have flown off the curbs and swerved into my path. Some doing 20 mph downhill on public sidewalks. I'm figuring the stats on cycling injuries will rise.

Oh, and don't forget only half have helmets!

I'm seeing some nice touring and custom commuter bikes more often on the road now during my morning commutes. I'm constantly slowing down in my vehicle to check out what they're riding. :D

Very few people have a choice about bicycle riding due to the distances involved (I will not rant about zoning and school districts). If you are seeing more people on bikes it is because they are unempolyed. That's my take anyway.

I'm seeing a lot more people on bikes, and it's not necessarily because they're unemployed. The newspaper here recently reported that gasoline consumption decreased by 15% in the period of December '07 to April '08 compared to the same time last year. And the article also said that bike stores have reported an increase in bike sales by 20% over the prior year. I live in urban Honolulu so the good weather and close proximity makes bike commuting a very viable option to many.

I've noticed an increase in bike commuters, too. Some obviously haven't thought it through, like the guy a couple of weeks ago in nice slacks, a tie, and a light blue shirt....which was soaked from collar to belt in sweat. Glad I don't share an office with that dude.

The sad thing is, I bet a lot of those commuters that "went off half-cocked" gave it up after the first time or two, when all that was wrong was their preparation and technique.

I'll tell you what I've seen the biggest increase in: Scooters! I really don't understand it, though, as in my state once the engine is 50cc or larger the rider has to have a motorcycle endorsement on his operator's license. If I were to want to go that way, and had to go through all the trouble to get the MC endorsement, I'd just buy a small motorcycle and get the handling advantage of the bigger diameter tires.

Yup. Quite a few. Lets see how it pans out when fall and then winter hits.

I even encountered someone riding in the street today... against traffic.

I'm seeing a lot more people riding, and unfortunately a large percentage of them are often riding on the wrong side of the road against traffic. When I'm driving I'm more conscious of watching for bikers sneaking up on me from the right when I'm stopped at an intersection looking left for traffic clearance before making a right turn, but I doubt most other drivers are doing the same. With the upsurge in riding I have no doubt there will be a proportionate upsurge in accidents.

I've been riding more, but not to work. If I have to lock my bike up on the street anywhere, I'm not riding.
That's where a less-worrisome type bike comes in handy.

The tourist town I'm living in always has a high number of cyclists (of all stripes) and given that we host the Canadian Iron Man in about a month, the place is becoming happily inundated with tri-athletes (happily unless you need work done at one of the two LBS's!).

But the BIG THING IS, the the two lakes on either end of the city have dramatically less speedboat/wave-runner activity, and RV's and Motorhomes are nearly non-existent on the roadways!

I freakin' LOVE IT.

Folks are still vacationing. The hotels are full (especially since people are leaving the motorhomes at home). The beaches are packed with hot young bodies. The concessioners are still making a killing...

It's just that it seems like there has been a shift in the WAY people vacation. More walking/bike-riding/canoing/kayaking/ less ATV'ing, highway sightseeing, wannabe cigarette boat racing.

I've noticed a slight increase here in Dallas. Quite a few wear helmets too and that makes me kinda proud. As far as I know, only 3 of us ride to work at our building. If there was more I'd begin asking for a bike rack.
Ernest

I have noticed changes in automotive traffic. On a recent trip, the big SUVs and noncommercial trucks were conspicuous by their absence. Traffic hadn't slowed down, but there was noticeably less of it.

What I've seen from the "other side of the bike shop counter":

Business is brisk, but the transactions are smaller. More people are wanting to ride bikes as an alternative form of transportation, but are less willing to spend money on expensive "toys". There's more focus on servicing older bikes to make them rideable, more focus on utility of bicycles (baskets, racks and bags) and unfortunately an industry-wide shortage of repair parts. Bike shops are busier than ever, but are having to work harder to make fewer dollars. Hopefully other shops that lack a broad focus can adjust to the new dynamics.

Very few people have a choice about bicycle riding due to the distances involved (I will not rant about zoning and school districts). If you are seeing more people on bikes it is because they are unempolyed. That's my take anyway.

what?

that makes no sense..sure some might be poor..but you cant just judge someone that way.

I'm seeing big increase. One interesting trends is seeing younger riders on bikes from the 70s & 80s. These aren't vintage riders, they're kids who are buying affordable used bikes. The garages of Orange County are being cleared of 10 speeds & 1st generation MTBs that hadn't turned a wheel in years

I'm seeing big increase. One interesting trends is seeing younger riders on bikes from the 70s & 80s. These aren't vintage riders, they're kids who are buying affordable used bikes. The garages of Orange County are being cleared of 10 speeds & 1st generation MTBs that hadn't turned a wheel in years

That same trend I've seen for at least 5-6 years in my area. Tons of hipsters or yuppies in my area with older 70's and up to mid 80's bikes. It's not a pretty area and the roads aren't smooth so I see many riding these kinds of bikes. I also think one see's the other riding this kind of bike, and so it must be cool. The funny thing is, alot of these younger people have money(trust fund babies), but they want to fit it, so it's a older bike.

I haven't noticed an increase. However, I've noticed there are a LOT more requests for bikes and bike parts on the local Freecycle lists, increasing from 1 a year to 1 a week.

I live in a small (pop. 3000) midwestern town where folk's walking/jogging in the street
is very common. There used to be an occasional bike but now there is an explosion of
adults and teenagers on bikes doing all sorts of things that used to be done with cars.
I also see a LOT more kids on the streets riding bikes like they used to in the 50's & 60's.

The local grocer had to put in a bike rack for all the adults that now ride bikes to the store
for that loaf of bread they forgot.

There is no doubt that $4 gas is getting people outta their cars when they don't need them
for the job. Hooray!:thumb:

I see lots more cyclists on the road these days but I think it's more due to the nice weather than any fundamental shift in transportation choices. Once the cold rains start back up 95% of them will be back in the car.

It's fuel costs driving alternative transportation. Most of the increases I've seen, as far as cyclists go, are folks commuting rather than recreational riders…

I see more people who seem to be utility riding - either commuting or shopping, going to the movies, etc. Here in central AZ, people have also slowed down on the freeway by 5-10 mph and on the surface streets. It makes for more relaxed riding and driving. We don't have public transportation here, but many have told me they would use it if they could. We see less riders in the colder months. (Yes, it gets down to 17-20 degrees in the winter here.)

I've noticed easily twice as many riders this summer vs. last summer in Anchorage. Many have no idea what they're doing, either. Blasting through red lights and plowing down pedestrians. Makes me wonder about the old licensing idea. The snows will thin them out and leave we happy few, we band of frozen brothers.

I live in a small (pop. 3000) midwestern town where folk's walking/jogging in the street
is very common. There used to be an occasional bike but now there is an explosion of
adults and teenagers on bikes doing all sorts of things that used to be done with cars.
I also see a LOT more kids on the streets riding bikes like they used to in the 50's & 60's.

The local grocer had to put in a bike rack for all the adults that now ride bikes to the store
for that loaf of bread they forgot.

There is no doubt that $4 gas is getting people outta their cars when they don't need them
for the job. Hooray!:thumb:


What I am wondering about is if they are enjoying it or not.
It seems a mute point if everyone has the attitude of "dang gas prices. Now I have to ride this POS bike.".
However, at least this is a start.

Very few people have a choice about bicycle riding due to the distances involved (I will not rant about zoning and school districts). If you are seeing more people on bikes it is because they are unempolyed. That's my take anyway.

Ignorance Spotted.

Anyway.

I don't see a LOT of riders, but it has gone from 0 to a few here and there. Michigan isn't very bike friendly. Few bike lanes. Lots of cars. bad roads from years of snow/salt. The local Bike shops to seem busier.. not sure where they all go.

The ones I DO see are always on the side walk. I very rarely see people on the road. And the ones on the sidewalk are all very slow. It's encouraging though. I hope they all stick with it. I used to see this one dude who commuted in his work outfit, but ever since it got cold last year, I quit seeing him.

Yep, more riders, old bikes, on sidewalks, poorer skills.

I'm not sure if this will make cars more aware of cyclists, or just piss them off. I do find more sympathy for my cycling. Even if a car person isn't riding, they're thinking about it, and they don't think I'm as crazy as they used to.

Bike shops are busy and yes, hard to make money fixing up beater 27 inch wheel bikes. But one shop told me that people weren't dithering about the money, they just needed the bike to work.

I'm very hopeful about this. There will be money to drive the market in utility bikes and practical parts. Also vintage bike restoration, art bikes, human powered transportation research, the whole gamut.

And even if most don't stick with it, a few die-hards will and we'll have our next generation of nuts.

Very exciting, very hopeful.

Zane

Yup. Quite a few. Lets see how it pans out when fall and then winter hits.

I even encountered someone riding in the street today... against traffic.

Thats when we see more people out cycling around here.

I haven't seen any increase in bicyclists around here. Though, I have seen an increase in motorcycle and scooter use.

I've seen a slight uptick. More talk than anything else ("I wish I could do that" and that sort of thing), but I have noticed some. And with wages at my job being what they are, I'm surprised it hasn't gone up even more. When you're starting out at $7.25/hour you really can't afford all that much of an increase in gas prices.

In Houston and San Antonio I have seen about ZERO increase in people riding bikes during rush hour. A few more riders on Saturday morning...people using their bike to pick up a pint of milk instead of taking the Suburban.

I'm seeing an increase although not huge. I was at the LBS yesterday (looking at a new road bike) and asked if business was good. He said they were very busy but mostly tune ups on older bikes. The owner stated that people that have started commuting are fixing their old bikes because if they buy a new bike it negates the savings of commuting to save gas.

No matter the reason it's good to see more riders and the cagers seem to be more aware of the riders.

What I am wondering about is if they are enjoying it or not.
It seems a mute point if everyone has the attitude of "dang gas prices. Now I have to ride this POS bike.".
However, at least this is a start.

A very negative spin don'tcha think? I've never noted anyone in my small town of midwestern
folk's complain about much at all. They just do what they need to and move on. ;)

A very negative spin don'tcha think? I've never noted anyone in my small town of midwestern
folk's complain about much at all. They just do what they need to and move on. ;)

Starting with one reason is fine. However, they're going to have to find more than just that reason if they plan on keeping up with it. You don't continue with anything for just one reason.

A very negative spin don'tcha think? I've never noted anyone in my small town of midwestern
folk's complain about much at all. They just do what they need to and move on. ;)

I don't think so. It is more of a valid concern about the continued longevity of the new riders.
They are finally on a bike and it seems to me that attention should be focused on how to keep them on the bike. If they do not enjoy it for whatever reason I feel this upsurge will be toast. :)

I don't think so. It is more of a valid concern about the continued longevity of the new riders.
They are finally on a bike and it seems to me that attention should be focused on how to keep them on the bike. If they do not enjoy it for whatever reason I feel this upsurge will be toast. :)

Well. Like with most things, different people will have different experiences. Some will have nice bikes and a short commute and feel great, and will do it even if they can afford the gas.

Other will have old bikes that aren't maintained well, will go unprepared, and be utterly miserable and stop when they have the first chance to.

The more people who get on cycles is a good thing. Not everyone will stick to it. But some will.

I'm seeing an increase although not huge. I was at the LBS yesterday (looking at a new road bike) and asked if business was good. He said they were very busy but mostly tune ups on older bikes. The owner stated that people that have started commuting are fixing their old bikes because if they buy a new bike it negates the savings of commuting to save gas.

No matter the reason it's good to see more riders and the cagers seem to be more aware of the riders.

(Only Half Joking:) this confirms to me that bicyclists are smarter than average, and actually understand the principle of "cost-benefit analysis". How many times have I read or heard of someone buying a Smart Car (for example) to save on gas, or buying a Harley Davidson for the same reason - get real, a $30,000 motorcycle with an engine bigger than some economy cars isn't going to use less gas!

These Smart Cars really get to me. So, you pay $25,000 for one of these hockey-pucks on wheels, with only two seats, very little luggage space, and not enough power to keep you from being a hood ornament on an 18-wheeler, and it still doesn't get better mileage than a Hyundai Accent or something of that ilk for half the price.

What's really needed is a lifestyle change - at least the budding bicyclists are willing to try meaningful changes.

I don't think so. It is more of a valid concern about the continued longevity of the new riders.
They are finally on a bike and it seems to me that attention should be focused on how to keep them on the bike. If they do not enjoy it for whatever reason I feel this upsurge will be toast. :)

I've seen more people riding around here, but haven't seen an older guy who started riding about a year ago. He looked kind of nervous but committed to it too, new bike, full face helmet, bright orange gloves and he used to go a lot of the same places I do. But I haven't seen him in a long time - I hope he's all right.

I don't think so. It is more of a valid concern about the continued longevity of the new riders.
They are finally on a bike and it seems to me that attention should be focused on how to keep them on the bike. If they do not enjoy it for whatever reason I feel this upsurge will be toast. :)

Could be, could be for sure. However, as long as fuel is high priced, food is high priced and wages
low bikes will fit into the future. Gov't can also stop being so pro car and anti mass transit, rail &
bikes could help too.

It's all about forcing a change away from "easy street" to the "right life" of personal eco-responsablity
in the minds & hearts of the public. Until that mindset change takes firm root nothing meaningful
will take place to change American culture.

These Smart Cars really get to me. So, you pay $25,000 for one of these hockey-pucks on wheels, with only two seats, very little luggage space, and not enough power to keep you from being a hood ornament on an 18-wheeler, and it still doesn't get better mileage than a Hyundai Accent or something of that ilk for half the price.

What's really needed is a lifestyle change - at least the budding bicyclists are willing to try meaningful changes.

Also needed is an ablity to understand ratio & proportions when it comes to milege. If I can
get 20mpg with a 6500 lb '93 Suburban (on a trip) then the milege that a hockey puck Smart
car gets is worse than my 'burb if you ratio out pound weight of vehicle moved for Btu
of energy expended.

Ignorance Spotted.

I'm ignorant of so many things please be specific. In general I do not believe that people avoid bicycling because gas is cheap. They avoid it because it is impracticle due mostly because the place they want to go is more than about 3 mi away. In NYC I think some people have switched to bikes to avoid paying for public transportation. Unemployed/partially employed people have more time and less money so riding 5-10 mi to go to the store makes sense.

I also suspect that many people who thought bicycling was free will find that their poorly maintained, cheap parts bike will stop working in a few months.

I think there are a lot more in Milwaukee this summer as opposed to last summer, even. People have been really friendly to me on the road, too. They talk to me and ask questions when I'm a stop lights, I get "thumbs up" out of car windows, and little kids seems to really like seeing bikes everywhere. I even "raced" a sebring convertible with a bunch of little kids in it, and they went wild. They were cheering and shouting, and it made me feel awesome. I think a lot of people are looking at bicycles differently this year.

yeah, i haven't noticed a difference. very bike-hostile; these streets upon which i ride. the other cyclists i do see... if it's not sunday morning, it's usually a few riders puttering around on the sidewalks.

weekend mornings is when i see the cyclists come out and ride... but even then there aren't many.

I live in a small town, about 5000 population. I'm seeing more scooters and motorcycles in my area. Bicycles? No. I read that scooter sales were up 35% nationwide this year. Small motorcycles (500cc and under) sales are also up.

Hard to say - I live in a big bike town so a few extra cyclists aren't going to be that noticeable but I think I see more commuters - especially newbies. But for sure I see waaay more scooters! Man they are all over the place now.

Well, I'm one of those "new riders". My friends and coworkers keep asking me if I'm riding to save gas. My answer is NO! My round trip of 15 miles to work might save a gallon of gas - $4.00. For me, the cost of putting my bike on the road (new tires & tubes, spare tubes, multi-tool, new pump, blinky, mirror) has cost enough to offset any gas savings for the next month or more.

I'm riding because I have made the conscious decision to integrate excersize into my daily routine. I have learned over the years that "making time" for excersize is something I cannot do. I have a 45hr/wk job, 3 kids, and more hobbies than you can shake a stick at. I hate going to the gym just for the sake of fitness. Replacing my 20 minute car commute with a 30 minute bicycle commute is the best way I have found to force me to excersize. The best part is that once I get to work, I have no choice but to ride home. I've also found other ways to get my butt on the bike, like combining one of my other hobbies, geocaching, with cycling.

I do fit part of the stereotype, though. I dusted off my 25-year-old Fuji touring bike. No way I'm paying >$1000 at a LBS for a new bike when I have a perfectly good bike already. New bike prices are just stupid, btw.

I do not ride on sidewalks, wrong way, run red lights, etc. I've tried riding "vehicularly", but that just seems to anger motorists, so I don't do it all the time. On one stretch of road with a 45mph limit (meaning everyone goes 60mph), the lanes are too narrow and there is a curb, so I've resorted to riding in the center "left turn lane". I guess that's the worst transgression.

The good news is that I'm healthier, losing weight, and enjoying myself.

Regards,
John.

I'm ignorant of so many things please be specific. In general I do not believe that people avoid bicycling because gas is cheap. They avoid it because it is impracticle due mostly because the place they want to go is more than about 3 mi away. In NYC I think some people have switched to bikes to avoid paying for public transportation. Unemployed/partially employed people have more time and less money so riding 5-10 mi to go to the store makes sense.

I also suspect that many people who thought bicycling was free will find that their poorly maintained, cheap parts bike will stop working in a few months.

actually, it's just that the bus is so damn slow. for example, it takes the bus 1 hour 43 minutes each way to get me to and from the gym. add up to an hour of waiting to get on the bus in the first place and this round trip could take almost 5 and 1/2 hours. my bicycle takes 20 minutes, 35 with a 40mph headwind, each way without me trying too hard at all. the distance is 4.5 miles. public transports sucks. people would be better off buying one of these 110mpg scooters.

actually, it's just that the bus is so damn slow. for example, it takes the bus 1 hour 43 minutes each way to get me to and from the gym. add up to an hour of waiting to get on the bus in the first place and this round trip could take almost 5 and 1/2 hours. my bicycle takes 20 minutes, 35 with a 40mph headwind, each way without me trying too hard at all. the distance is 4.5 miles. public transports sucks. people would be better off buying one of these 110mpg scooters.

where i live, public transit is expensive. for a STUDENT it's 1.70$ for a ticket which works one way (you can get a transfer that can be used on other buses for up to 2-3hours after initial ticket use). if you're paying cash fare, or are an adult, it's 2.50$/ticket.

2.50$ to get on the bus? what is this?

for my sister and i to get to school, our parents were paying 6.80$/day to use public transit. we ride in nice weather (hard to do in winter). it's actually cheaper now that we drive to school in the winter with a car (that includes gas, my ridiculously high insurance ('cause i'm young), and car maintenance).

sorry, i know it's off topic, but i hate public transit in my area.