Bikes Vs. Cars

Alabama Mobile The high price of gas is driving some people to find other ways to get around town. Moving from four wheels to two will save you money. But is it worth the risk? News 5's Kimberly Curth investigates.

by Kimberly Curth

Published: Wed, July 23, 2008 - 5:16 pm CST

The high price of gas is driving some people to find other ways to get around town. And, there's no question moving from four wheels to two will save you money, but, is it worth the risk? We investigated.

Call it a miracle that Rudy Smith is still here to talk about what happened, "I was just charging the hill, having a great ride. It was crystal clear, it was quiet," said Smith. But, that morning bicycle ride in Mobile turned into a nightmare when Smith was struck by a hit and run driver, "the person who hit me basically just left me for dead, so, fortunately someone did stop and called 9-1-1," said Smith.

Smith was severely injured, and he can't work until he recovers. But despite all that, Smith says he still plans to get back on a bicycle, "just as soon as I'm healed and if I could do it today, I'd be on my bicycle pedaling around, not just because I enjoy riding a bicycle, but, because it makes me feel good," said Smith.

And, he won't be alone out there. At one Mobile bicycle shop, commuting by car is almost a thing of the past, "you can't totally eliminate the car, unfortunately, but even if you're able to ride three or four days a week then, I mean, that's better than nothing," said bicycle shop owner, Brad Burton.

Many employees at Burton's shop are now commuting to work on their bicycles, "I started kind of towards the beginning of the Summer, partially, because of gas prices, partially, I just got tired of being so dependent of my vehicle," said cyclist Colin Roeder. "Cost is certainly you know one aspect of it, but, also there's, you know, a health aspect of it," said Burton, "if you can save 100 dollars a month on gas why not."

One employee's morning commute takes him through congested metro traffic, "I usually don't have any problems on my morning rides, I guess, sometimes in the late afternoon people are just ready to get home, they don't like a biker getting in their way, so, they honk maybe or something like that," said cyclist David Burtt. If you can handle the heat and the hills, you'll save money each month,"150 to 200 probably," said Burtt.

If you do decide to get out there, you might just see Rudy Smith one day giving it another shot, "the benefit absolutely outweighs the risk," said Smith.
As for the hit and run driver that struck Smith, Mobile Police say no one has been arrested yet, and the case is still under investigation.

Alabama State Troopers say bicyclists have just as much right to the road as cars and cyclists obey the same traffic rules that a car would.

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GulfPirate Says:

Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 3:30 am

I’ll tell you what. I am working over in Holland at the moment and bikes are a major form of transportation. They have bike lanes all over the country and they have the right of way no matter what. You could almost be at a stop light and have a bike run into you and it’s almost your fault. I see people from 8 to 80 years old cruising on their bicycles. It is an awesome sight.

brighteyes4304 Says:

Mon, Oct 20, 2008 at 12:08 pm

I feel for you. We ride motorcycles and go through the same hassels that you do. People just don’t pay attention and if they left a little earlier they wouldn’t be in such a hurry. What are speed zones for? People act like there aren’t any. Be safe out there. I pray for all of us that choose to pedal or ride. God Bless