Driven by an increase in gas prices, as well as, growing awareness of the impact all those cars have on the environment more and more people are dragging out their bikes for more than just a quick jaunt around the park.

Commuters now ride the unheard of distance of oh…2 miles to work, aided by the more casual dress requirements on many companies and the slick carrying packs now available for dress shoes and laptops. Moms gear up with child carriers and pint sized bikes and take the kids out for lunch. Grocery shopping done by bike seems to be the preferred method in semi-urban neighborhoods.

The list of bike accessories grows long. Most are marketed to serious athlete -bike suitcases, rechargeable lights, gloves, grips and parts specifically for improving speed. But more and more the green, casual commuter is an alluring target.

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