John McBurney started commuting to work on his bicycle seven years ago, long before gas prices got downright painful.
"At first, it wasn't because of gas," the MCG Health emergency room nurse said. "It was something I enjoyed."
But colleagues who once found Mr. McBurney's mode of transportation amusing are now envious.
"Nobody laughs at me now," he said. "And a lot more people are talking about getting bicycles to ride to work."
Commuting by pedal power is particularly feasible in Augusta, thanks to thoroughfares such as North Augusta's Greeneway and the Augusta Canal towpath, said Drew Jordan, who works at his family's Andy Jordan's Bicycle Warehouse in Augusta.
"A lot more people are riding to work," he said. "You can really see a difference from a couple months ago to now."
Typically, more people use bicycles in summer, when school is out and days are longer, he said.
This year, though, more new faces are appearing.
"I had a guy come in yesterday to get tires, a rack for the back and front and rear lights because he commutes before daybreak," Mr. Jordan said. "We have definitely seen an increase in interest."
Some customers are dragging out old bicycles and bringing them in for repairs so they can be returned to trails and roads.
"Some people are commuting, and some people are just out and trying to get in shape for the summer," he said. "The point is that they are using their bicycles for transportation."
Mr. McBurney is glad he got into the commuting mode early.
"Because I bike, my wife and I just have to have one car, so it was a big money savings initially," he said. "But now, with the price of gas, it saves us a ton of money."
Reach Rob Pavey at 868-1222, ext. 119, or rob.pavey@augustachronicle.com
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WHEN PASSING A CYCLIST:
- Allow at least 3 feet between your vehicle and the bicycle.
- Be patient and wait until it is safe to pass.
- Honking the horn is not recommended while passing because it could startle the cyclist.
- Do not speed up to cut off a cyclist if you are turning right.
WHILE RIDING A BICYCLE ON A STREET:
- Ride in the right hand lane with the flow of traffic.
- Use hand signals to alert drivers during turns.
- Wear bright colors.
- Think of yourself as operating a motor vehicle and obey all of the same traffic rules.
- Pass vehicles on the left.
- Ride in a predictable manner; avoid sudden, unexpected movements.
Source: Georgia Department of Transportation
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