The Vespa dealership at 5928 Broadway is seeing increased traffic as people are looking for more economical ways to get around. Photos by Mary Margaret Tobin

By Mary Margaret Tobin
Contributing Writer

With America’s dependence on foreign sources of oil, along with rising oil demands in other countries, gas prices have risen dramatically over the past year. In San Antonio, gas prices have gone up a little over a dollar and more than doubled over the last few years.

With gas prices on the rise, people from all walks of life are switching from gas-guzzling four-door sedans and SUVs to more fuel efficient, two-wheeled vehicles.

With an engine, or without, a two-wheel trend is definitely developing. Both the Bike World the Vespa scooter stores in Alamo Heights report that they have had significantly increased sales of bikes and scooters spurred by high gas prices.

“If 10 people walk into the shop, eight people ask about the gas efficiency of a Vespa,” Vespa sales manager David Murphy said.

All kinds of people, young and old, have been showing increased interest in the economical Vespa scooters. Young people commuting to work, older people with kids, even retired men and women – everyone is coming to realize the many capabilities of these scooters.

“Not only do they have great gas mileage, they are easy to operate and are a fun, enjoyable way to get from one place to another,” Murphy said.

Those looking to give up the gasoline habit altogether are checking out bicycles, like at Bike World, located at 5911 Broadway.

Other people have decided to switch to traveling by bicycle, freeing themselves of worrying about gas at all. The staff at Bike World Alamo Heights said that in the past year, not only have they had a significant increase in the sale of commuter type bikes, but they have had numerous people bring their bikes in to be repaired.

Although you may not travel as quickly on a bike as on a motor vehicle, you’ll no doubt save a lot of money that would otherwise be spent on gas. Most people, especially in our community, only commute 10 miles or less round trip during their day, which could easily be done on a bicycle.

These bike commuters use city streets and are pressing for the development of more bike lanes and trails. Bikes good for commuting range from about $240 to $1,000 depending on what features you want your bike to have.

“Everyone that comes in to ask about a commuter bike has one thing in common – they are tired of paying so much at the pump,” said Bike World Alamo Heights manager Drew Morganti.

Not only is bicycling a convenient way to commute, it is good exercise and a way to enjoy yourself. Once you get to work, you will be invigorated and ready to go.

“Many employees ride into work, it’s something they did before the gas crunch,” Morganti said. “You aren’t limited by traffic, busy roads … and it’s quiet.”

Whether it’s with an engine or without, many people are starting to believe that cutting the number of wheels they have on their vehicle in half is the way to go. Who knows, maybe in a few years, we’ll see more Vespas and bikes on the roads than cars!