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Early morning cyclists on Portland's Springwater Corridor.
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RTC member, Randy Kling, on his morning commute in Washington, D.C.
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| Tami Mendonca of Sequim, Wash., bicycles 13.5 miles, each way, on the Olympic Discovery Trail to get to work. Read about her commute-altering epiphany and why this 47-year-old chose her bicycle over her automobile to arrive at work energized, good-humored and with a ready-made excuse for a "bad hair" day. |
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Making A Shift:
Facing Rising Gas Prices Americans Seek Alternative Transportation
Across America—from bustling cities to sleepy towns—gas prices are skyrocketing, leaving consumers searching for ways to make every mile count. That's why more and more people are strapping on their cross-trainers and taking to the nearly 1,400 rail-trails in the United States. Whether commuting to work or picking up a gallon of milk at the store, utilizing these accessible trails is a great way to save some money at the pump—not to mention shed those pounds accumulated from years in the driver's seat.
RTC member and Washington D.C., resident Randy Kling started commuting to work by bike after he discovered how convenient the local trails were in his area. The time he spent in the car dramatically decreased and he began only using his car on weekends. "I started putting approximately 6,000 miles per year on my bike and only 2,000 miles on my automobile," said Kling, who recently got rid of his car for good. "I only have the bike now, so I save on insurance, gas, parking, traffic frustration and maintenance costs. The rewards are the same as [riding] the Metro, but biking provides exercise, and some peace and quiet."
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) has been working hard to make it possible for people to run, walk and bike to places they go everyday, promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging government officials to promote them as well. Connecting trails and making their infrastructure more appealing and useful are just a few ways RTC supports alternative forms of transportation. And with the rising cost of gas, this mission has never been more crucial.
"It is our job to make sure that more and more trails are developed in places where people live, and that they connect to places where people need to go," says Marianne Fowler, RTC's senior vice president of policy. "We're trying to make it easier for people to make the choice to shift from automobiles to bicycling and walking."
Part of that choice has to do with the safe and fun environment rail-trails provide. "There is something appealing about a community where you can walk and ride your bike safely," said Tim Blumenthal, executive director at Bikes Belong, the voice of America's bicycle industry. "It has to do with a slower pace, less noise, and it's just a place you want to be."
According to Blumenthal, bike sales hit a record high in 2005 and road bike sales have increased steadily over the past four years. But rising gas prices aren't the only reason more people are seeking forms of alternative transportation.
"There is never one reason why change occurs," says Noah Budnick, deputy director of Transportation Alternatives. "The rise of gas prices is definitely a catalyst in the rise of number of people commuting by bike, but also it has to do with more federal funding, more bike projects, and more municipal government spending on greenway paths."
As the rail-trail movement expands throughout the country, the rise in gas prices and the incentive to stay healthy are good reasons to get out on the trail—not to mention it offers a fun outdoor escape from the office and gives children an alternative, safe form of recreation outside of school.
"From the seat of your bicycle, you're saving money while getting active," says RTC President Keith Laughlin. "Plus, you get to enjoy the scenery in a way you never would from a car. It's pure fun and, at the same time, provides health and economic benefits for you and your family."
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