At $3.50 to $4.50 and rising faster than a dog who hears a bag of Beggin’ Strips being rattled, gas prices are hurting American families from East Coast to West Coast. The problem is, they’re already hurting from a recession people are claiming is over. The thing is, everyone I know is strapped for cash—even older relatives who once were secure, particularly in their investments—and pinching pennies on everything they can. One way we can do this is to ride our bicycles whenever we can.

Obviously, this isn’t going to work for everyone, particularly for people in rural areas or the elderly or disabled. But many of us can use our bicycles to get from here to there sometimes, especially if we aren’t going far or we are not going out to get anything. For example, if you’re going to visit a friend, go to the park, see a movie, or eat out and you know you aren’t going to bring anything home, why not go by bike? (You can also carry some things on your bike with attachments if you prefer; check out the awesome working bicycle from Amsterdam in the picture at left.)

Many cities are recognizing the benefits that biking has for their citizens and are making it easier than ever for them to do so, too. Stamford is improving its bicycle lanes; so is San Francisco. Sharing bicycles is a strategy that people are adopting as well. Cities in Washington are planning both bicycling and walking strategies to help people live more frugally as well as healthfully. With a little public pressure, surely your own city could develop such plans, too.

Biking is, of course, also good for our health and the environment. You’re not just saving money; you’re also saving medical expenses and preventing emissions from occurring—all in all, not a bad transportation strategy! Bike repairs are also less costly and time consuming than car repairs, and they typically require repairs and maintenance in far fewer degrees than the typical car. While keeping a bike can be a bit of an adjustment at first—you’ll have to remember to chain it up, for example, and some places may not offer bike parking (another thing to campaign for at city hall!); storing a bike can also be tricky when you live in an apartment building—once you get used to it you might even prefer it to driving. Don’t forget to get a helmet!