Pottstown Bicycle Store Sees Spike In Its Free Bike-Lending Program
POTTSTOWN, Pa. (CBS) - A Montgomery County bicycle shop is doing its part to help area residents beat the high price of gasoline at the pumps.
John DiRenzo says he's seen about a 25 percent increase in business at his shop, Tri-County Bicycles, in Pottstown, Pa.
What's driving the spike is $4-a-gallon gas, and that's also bringing in more people who are taking advantage of his store's "bike borrowing" program, which he says is busier and more popular than ever.
"We're a commuter-friendly shop, we're in a downtown district that has a cycling lane, it's a very flat town," DiRenzo notes. "I've seen a huge uptick in not only avid riders but the general public just saying, 'Hey, I can park my car -- there's a bike shop in town."
You can borrow one of their 30 yellow beach cruisers, which were purchased with a grant, at no cost. You must be 16 and have a valid ID or driver's license.
DiRenzo says the bikes are great for short trips through town, whether to run errands or pay bills.
Reported by Brad Segall, KYW Newsradio 1060