Commuters Cycling To Combat High Gas Prices

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - With gas prices hovering close to $4 a gallon, more people are leaving their cars at home and riding bicycles to work. Watch The Story

"I have an older Volvo that's in great shape," said Kirk Kandle. "I only fill it up every 3-4 weeks."

That's because Kandle leaves his car at home and rides his bike to work every day instead. He said the savings are huge.

"It's thousands a year," he said.

Kandle has been commuting by bike for several years, but with recent record-breaking gas prices, he's saving even more.

More commuters in Louisville are making the switch from driving a vehicle with four wheels to one with two.

"We're just at the beginning of the season, and this season's going to be unique with gas prices so we're just at the threshold," said Marty Scheller, co-owner of Scheller's Fitness. "You can get a very nice, lightweight bike for under $300."

"People can no longer afford to drive a car into work, especially if you live far out. So we're seeing not only more people riding their bikes, TARC is seeing a huge increase," said mayor's representative Chris Poynter.

Meanwhile, Louisville is creating a bike trail that circles the city and has already built 23 of the 100 miles.

Poynter said Louisville has come a long way over the past few years. Just this week, the city was recognized as being one of the top three "most improved cities for cycling" by Bicycling magazine.

"Us, New York City and Washington, D.C., so that's a pretty nice complement for our city," he said.

"It's not nearly as difficult or strenuous as most people think that it is, and it's a lot of fun," said Metro Louisville Pedestrian & Bicycle Coordinator Jonathan Villines. "You get your exercise at the same time."

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