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Cost-conscious commuters swapping four wheels for three, two -- or none
With gas prices tickling the $4 mark and speculations that it will rise to $7, many people are parking their cars and finding more economical ways of transportation for their every day routines.
The streets of McCook are full of walkers, bike riders and motorcycles of different brands and colors before the work day begins. The streets and highways also have shown an increased presence of motorcycles of many styles, colors and brands.
Walking to work is not only a great fuel saver it's good for the body as well. The Rev. Clark Bates is an avid walker. Bates is the pastor at McCook Christian Church on West B street in McCook and walks to and from work on a regular basis. He and his wife, Donna also walk in the evening. "It gets my body and mind functioning and wakes me up," said Bates" Its also better to walk, it slows the pace of the day." He also walks every Sunday morning before services.
The benefits of walking can far outweigh the savings on fuel. Norris Park is full of walkers in the morning and evening whether they be mothers with their children in strollers, couples enjoying the outdoors or those powerwalkers with a goal in mind.
Bikes are also a way to get outdoors. Bicycling is an inexpensive way of transportation and exercise and can easily be a family affair. Trustworthy Bike and Pets in McCook has a wide array of adult bicycles for all terrains and a few kids bikes. Trustworthy has also seen an increase in bike sales and repairs as well as parts such as hard tires and helmets.
Bicycle riders also need to purchase a helmet and can refresh their memory on bicycle etiquette, safety and signaling by visiting the Internet. Bicyclists and walkers can go online to www.nfpa.org, revolutionhealth.com and other Web sites on bike and walking safety and signaling for adults and children.
One of the biggest markets in alternative transportation is the motorcycle and scooter market. Deveny Motors in McCook has seen a 38 percent increase in their sales of motorcycles and scooters this year. Honda, Yamaha and Goldwing are the three brands Deveny sells and prices range from $2,000 to $11,000. A bike will average between 40-60 miles per gallon, although some of the smaller types get more as do the scooters.
Mary Keslin of McCook has opted for a smaller motorcycle. After driving a Yamaha scooter for a while, she upgraded recently for a larger type. Keslin uses her bike to travel back and forth to work and around town for errands.
Riders must be prepared for planning on purchasing a motorcycle. New riders can get a learners permit from their county courthouse before getting their motorcycle drivers license. A manuel can be picked up at the examiners office and a rider will have to take a written and driving test in order to get the license.
Riders can also take a basic rider safety course. The University of Nebraska at Kearney offers a three-day course for riders wanting a license. Hasting College also offers the course. After passing the knowledge and riding skills test, students will earn a motorcycle safety foundation completion card and a Nebraska licensing waiver. The cost of the class is $195 for Nebraska residents.
The rider can then take the waiver card to the license examiner, where they may waive the testing. The cost is $5 to add the motorcycle endorsement to a general drivers license for the first time.
Red Willow County had 27 motorcycles licensed in July of this year.
Whether you choose a motorcycle, a bicycle or your own two feet to get around, saving money on fuel isn't the only benefit to change.