Rising Prices Has Some "Switching Gears"

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OMAHA (KPTM) -With gas prices well past $3.50 per gallon at several metro gas station, many people are looking at gas-free alternatives.

Pedal power is replacing gas power for many in the metro. It's a trend many city and businesses leaders hope will continue.

It's becoming a more common sight on Omaha streets. But this time, bikers had some prominent company.

Mayor Mike Fahey rode, hoping to set an example for his city, a city he admits needs to speed up to meet the needs of cyclists. "One thing we are not is a bikable community and that's one thing we want to change in Omaha, Nebraska," Fahey says.

Change that several biking organizations are also encouraging. "We're not bike friendly at this point," said Charlie Ticknor.

Ticknor rides her bike to work at trek bicycle store everyday. She says the city's attitude about riding has changed over the years. "There used to be this absolute "no" approach to commuting and more and more people beginning to realize the savings in not only the monetary sense but the benefits overall of what bicycles can accomplish for them," said Ticknor.

It's an accomplishment some say helps everyone in the long run. "Just getting out and being active on a general basis and keeping your health. I think it's going to benefit Omaha as a whole in a lot of ways," said Ticknor.

Omaha leaders say they've put aside $600,000 from area groups for building new bike trails and improving the one's that already exist. They hope better trails will mean a better number of bikers.

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