Trading in cars for bicycles: a new trend in the U.S.

While bicycles and public transportation have both been around long before the "green" movement began, both forms of transportation are rapidly overtaking car ownership for the young and those who are "green" oriented.

It could be the economy, it could be youthful exuberance, it could be the "greening of America;" or it could be a combination of all three; but there is a noticeable trend towards using alternative means of getting about town, rather than automobile ownership.

Car rental agencies are noticing an upturn of people renting cars for short outings that start and end close to home. Ridership on public transportation is on the rise in most metro areas, and bicycle shops are doing a bumper business lately.

While the young, as in under 30, are a large percentage of those making this switch, more and more older Americans are joining their ranks. Car ownership is expensive. The average cost to purchase a new vehicle is around $20,000. When you add maintenance, gasoline, and car insurance, it is much more economical to use alternative transportation to get about town.

Of course, if you do not live or work near public transportation, this may not work for you. And, there will always be those car enthusiasts who have to have a sports car, or a truck or 4 wheeled drive, because they want it, more than they need it.

Europeans and Asian cultures have always used alternative forms of transportation, with one car families the norm, over the 2-3 car families that has become the norm in the U.S.

It's also true that car ownership is coveted in some emerging countries, most notably in China and India.

There is no doubt that the economy has played a huge role in this changing mentality. Half of America doesn't have health insurance, and can't afford to buy health insurance, but that hasn't stopped them from owning cars - until recently.

The green movement can certainly claim some of the credit for this modern thinking. Bicycles do not emit carbon, fumes, and other pollutants into the air; the maintenance costs are much lower, and riding a bike is great exercise and good for your health. Renting a car for a weekend getaway is much more economical than owning one full time.

And of course, in metro areas, parking is crazy, often unavailable, and expensive when it is.

Portland Oregon has been dubbed the "bike riders" #1 city. In this area, it is even legal to ride your bike on some of the freeways. It is not uncommon in Portland, as in other metro areas, to see businessmen and women riding their bikes to work. In fact, recently there was a "biker's fashion show" which highlighted some outrageous bike riding gear, as well as people in regular work clothing and bicycle shoes.

Of course, we can't dismiss the popularity and attention that Lance Armstrong garnered with his world shattering number of wins in the Tour de France bicycle races. Did some of the popularity of bike riding start with Armstrong's publicity and popularity?

Whatever the reason, auto manufacturers are hoping this is a temporary phase that will pass when the economy improves, or at least certainly improve with more fuel efficient or electric cars become more available. Auto financing has improved, but with the exception of the brief surge in auto sales with the "Cash for Clunkers" program, this has been a dismal year for this industry.

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