<div> > <b>$4-a-gallon gas boosting bicycle sales, repairs</b>
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BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Across the country, high gas prices arekicking bicycle sales into high gear. <P>
Bike dealers say they're seeing customers dusting off their oldtwo-wheelers -- or buying new ones -- to cope with rising fuel
prices. <P>
A spokesman for the Washington. D.C.-based League of AmericanBicyclists says there's a definite increase in people riding bikes. <P>
He says, "it's due to a mixture of things but escalating gasprices is one of them." <P>
About 18 million bicycles have been sold annually in the U.S.over the past few years. The National Bicycle Dealers Association
says that adds up to about six billion dollars in annual sales. A
spokesman says bike shops across the country are reporting strong
sales so far this year. And more people are bringing in bikes that
have been idling at home. <P>
A Bismarck, North Dakota, man who opened a shop in April says hesold more than 50 bikes in the first month -- double his
projections. He says everyone who walks in the store is talking
about gas prices. <P>
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) <P>Comments:
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