She Reports

More Power for the Pedal

Reap the benefits of commuting to work by bike

-Suzanne Robitaille

About 90 percent of people in the United States drive to work, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Subtract those who work from home or live in major metro areas like New York City - where driving and parking can be logistical nightmares - and you're left with very few people who don't get in a car every day.

But signs of change are afoot. In a recent segment on CBS's Sunday Morning, hordes of commuters, having traded in their cars for bikes, cycled to work with giant smiles on their faces. Sure, the biker's movement has been around a while, but now it's a different game. Gas prices are now topping $4 a gallon, leading more and more people to trade in their four wheels for two.

On the show, cyclist Julian Richards estimated he could save up to $5,000 a year by biking instead of driving to work each day. Think of the handbags and shoes you could buy! It's true: Bike commuters can save on gas, oil changes, brake repairs, tires, car washes, parking fees and a gym membership, and maybe even get a lower rate on their car insurance.

Aside from saving money, Richards said he dropped 10 pounds in two months. Think of all the Seven for All Mankind jeans you could buy! And of course a ride to work helps the environment. read more...