I used to ride my bike all the time as a kid - getting up just before sunrise and riding out on the old dirt road to see the sun come up was my favorite thing. After a childhood spent on Forest Service compounds in the middle of nowhere, riding in the city seems kind of scary and restrictive, but I'd really like to make bicycling a part of my life again.

I don't really care about the asthetics of my bicycle - as long as it doesn't look like a junker :) - especially if it costs extra money to make it designer. I'm happy if it gets me where I need/want to go.

My husband and I don't live in a city that is very bike-friendly, so we drive our cars to work. We take our bikes to paved trails on the weekends and ride for fun/fitness. As for the bike, I prefer quality over design.

i love that bikes are having a comeback, living in a college town they're everywhere anyway. I think the main change has been what they look like. It's not as cool to have any ol' schwinn nowadays it's got to be stylish, which I don't mind. It's just another way to express personality!

I love the idea, but sadly, I just cannot do a one-speed bike in Austin. Too many hills!

I love the idea of more people biking. I think with the big being "green" push it is no wonder we are seeing more people using bikes as a mode of transpertation. I must say, reading this is funny because I was just looking on craigslist this morning for a bike. In my situation it would be more for pleasure. I hope the trend sticks! Thanks for sharing this!

Love, love, love that cycling is becoming such a popular form of transportation, and that so many cities across the US are implementing bike-friendly policies!

However, a big THUMBS DOWN on the UO bike. The frame is hi-tensile steel, which is incredibly heavy--it's the same material a beach cruiser from Walmart is made of. These bikes are meant to appeal to new riders through aesthetics, but new riders in particular are going to benefit by the expertise and service of their local bike shop. Your local shop can help you find a bike that not only looks good, but rides well and fits like a glove--ensuring you will want to ride it more. Spending a little more upfront on a better bike is a much better long-term investment!

I'm glad that more people are out riding their bikes. When I was looking for a job 5 years ago, one of my goals was to find a place close enough to ride my bike to work. In the last two years I've noticed more and more bikes on my way to work. Whether it is just a temporary trend because of the economy or not, it will introduce people to riding more than it would have if gas was cheap, and that can't be a bad thing.
Last month I was unfortunately struck by an SUV while riding my bike on a sidewalk. My bike was ruined, but fortunately I emerged with only a severe ankle sprain. I know I've even been guilty myself of backing out of driveways too quickly or being too trapped in my little world while in my car. I would never want to be in the position of the person who hit me, and so it has been a lesson learned to keep aware of my surroundings while driving. Since the accident I have thought often of those bumper stickers that say "see motorcycles" and think the same is true for bikes. It is very important for everyone to stay aware of bicycles while on the road, and that quick glances for large vehicles are not good enough.
Be safe everyone.

The bicycle trend is awesome. We've moved to a really bike-friendly community and it's changing my life. I was even really scared to ride my bike just a year ago! I hope that the trend continues because people realize how great it is. It's not like a silly trend, so maybe it will have some staying power. Fingers crossed.

i dont think i would call it a "trend". riding bikes is a logical move towards going green (which i wouldn't call a trend either). and it's a great, fun way to get a little more exercise here and there. my life has completely changed since i bought my bike a bout 6 months ago. i ride it everywhere i can. fast/free parking. i'm a fan!

Victoria - Yes here too - it's considered either a "lower form of transportation" i.e. you are too poor to own a car, or it's for those tour de france-ish types in all their gear speeding down the road in groups of 3 or more...

Gilby thanks for mentioning the frame - I did not know that and it's an important factor to consider for sure - the weight makes or breaks some people from buying a bike. I know where I'm moving we can only store ours in the cellar which means lugging them down a flight of stairs each day. I'm definitely going to look for a light frame -- maybe carbon -- my husband builds bikes (hobby) and he highly suggests a carbon frame.

Those bikes are great! If I ever bought one, I would definitely go to UO!

I love biking in the city. It is so convenient and a fast way to travel. I I have just bought a new Giant Bike. Although it's a hybride for trekking it is also suitable for the city. Last year this was the bike of the year in the Netherlands. Take a look at: http://www.giant-bicycles.com/nl-NL/bikes/lifestyle/1465/29810/

Regards,

Liselore
www.urbanstylevibes.blogspot.com

its because people with middle class values are again preferring to live in cities, especially cities designed for people, not cars.

as long as that continues, and the new urbanists have influence over planning the trend toward using more and more bikes will grow. especially if the suburbanite car commuters stop hitting bicyclists.

that manufactures are making more and more bikes to cater toward urban minded lifestyles is fueling this as well.

Buy YOUR Bike in a LOCAL BIKE STORE...not online, not at a Chain Store, but from a reputable LOCAL BIKE SHOP --- They will "fit you to the right bike", they will also service your bike, they will help you make the "right decision" and they need and appreciate your business. If you buy it online, or at UO, they simply are making a sale, and don't really care about you...SHOP LOCALLY, Support the 3/50 Project, and Support your LOCAL BUSINESSES!!! Don't complain when they are gone, if they don't make it through this recession, and ask yourself when was the last time you bought something from that favorite store of yours...If you can't remember, then get in there and start shopping!!! They need your support now, more than ever!

I ride my bike to work everyday 10 miles back and forth. I drive in one day a week and drop off my work clothes for that week and take away last week's. I am also fortunate that my work has showers so I can take one once I get to work.

Because of my enthusiasm of riding to work I have actually encouraged others to ride to work as well. Riding my bike to work has also kept in shape. I have lost over 10 pounds just by riding my bike to work. Plus I get comments on my nice tan that I get from riding my bike back and forth. For me at least it will not be a trend.

Well I hate the bike trend. I live in an area with very narrow roads with no shoulders and no bike lanes or trails. Bikes are in the way, cause massive congestion on our narrow 2 lane roads and are oblivious to the fact they are causing a problem.

Bike riders do not pay any road taxes to maintain our network of roads and feel they have the right to use the road to the exclusion of the rest of us. Plus we have many dirt roads and steep hills where bikes are dangerous. The bikes have to use the center of the road because of the loose gravel and often cannot stop on the steep hills.

If bike riders want to have a road network, that is fine, they need to pay for it themselves and not try to share the road with cars, tractors and heavy trucks.

Personally, I'm extremely thankful for the bike trend. My husband opened a bicycle repair business out of our home in 2006. His business has steadily grown over the past three years and has helped us keep our heads above water since I became un(under)employed last October. We are fortunate to live in Western Washington, where there are bike trails and lanes and bike racks on buses. The majority of my husband's customers are either casual or recreational cyclists - we don't see a great deal of commuters or competitors - and we have had a number of people bring in their old bikes for repair, restoration and/or customization. You don't always have to buy a new bike!

I've been riding all summer - my community has a bike lane but unfortunately it is on a heavily traveled road with a 50 m.p.h. speed limit. I would love to live in a community that is more bike friendly!