<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 are

kicking bicycle sales into high gear. <P>

 Bike dealers say they're seeing customers dusting off their old

two-wheelers -- or buying new ones -- to cope with rising fuel

prices. <P>

 A spokesman for the Washington. D.C.-based League of American

Bicyclists says there's a definite increase in people riding bikes. <P>

 He says, "it's due to a mixture of things but escalating gas

prices 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 he

sold 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>

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