WINONA LAKE - Sales of bicycles and bicycle accessories have increased at Trailhouse in Winona Lake with gas continuing to hover around $4 a gallon.
Trailhouse owner Nancy Gast said high gas prices are causing people to use their bikes more than just for recreation.
Nancy and her husband, Rob, have been in the bicycling business since 1975 and opened Trailhouse seven years ago in Winona Lake."People are looking for bicycles, not just for recreation, but are buying accessories to put on their bikes to make them more useful for running errands and completing everyday tasks they used to do by car," Nancy said.
She said bicycle sales at the business have increased significantly. Bicycle accessory sales, including baskets, bags and bicycle rack purchases, also have seen sale increases.
Nancy said with more bicyclists on the road, drivers should be aware and slow down.
She said customers have said they like to purchase bicycle accessories so it is more convenient when they visit the library, post office or grocery store.
"The removable baskets fit on bicycle racks so when people run errands they know how much will fit," Nancy said.
She also said bike light sales have increased.
"People don't have to feel helpless with the high gas prices because when they ride a bike they are becoming part of the solution, not the problem," Nancy said.
Rob said bicycling allows an opportunity for exercise and recreation closer to home.
"People realize how good they feel after they bicycle, and tell their neighbors, and it catches on," Rob said.
A sign that states "Gas Sucks Ride A Bike" hangs on the wall next to bicycles for sale at the business.
Laura Coverstone, North Webster, purchased two bicycles at Trailhouse Thursday afternoon.
"I have been married 22 years and never had a bike, and with the rising gas prices and wanting to exercise more, I purchased bicycles for myself and my husband," Coverstone said.
Don Ransome, Warsaw, was at the business Thursday waiting for a friend to get their bicycle tires changed. He said he rides his bicycle to prepare for bike races.
"I try to choose riding my bicycle over driving because I try not to drive more than I have to with high gas prices," Ransome said.
Warsaw Police Patrolman Jaime DelaFuente had maintenance work done on his patrol bicycle Thursday at the business.
DelaFuente said he attaches the bicycle to his patrol car, and uses the bicycle to patrol area trails, alleys and streets.
"Riding a bicycle allows me to hear and see more in the community," DelaFuente said.
He said he went to a bicycle training school last summer where he learned firearm training on bicycles.
Kosciusko County Velo Cycling Club holds group rides for mountain bicyclists and road bicyclists that are open to the public free of charge.
Group rides for road bikes are Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. People should meet at Trailhouse in Winona Lake.
Mountain bike rides are Tuesdays at 9 a.m. People should meet at the Winona Lake Bike trail head.
For more information about the rides, call 574-269-9622.
