In these tough times, we are all looking at ways to save. For me, that means riding my bike wherever and whenever I can. Bicycles are a legitimate part of the nation's transporation mix, and more and more Americans are choosing to ride their bike to work. True, bikes come with some maintenance costs, but frankly paying $20 to $30 for a new bike tires or a bike seat every now and then is pocket change compared to the maintenance of owning a car.

So how big is the bike industry? And how much dough are you really saving if you ride a bike instead of drive a car? Check it out:

• In 2008, the U.S bicycle industry was worth $6 billion.
• 18.5 million bicycles were sold in the U.S in 2008.
• 44.7 million Americans age seven and older were estimated to have ridden a bicycle six times or more in 2008.
• On a round-trip commute of 10 miles, bicyclists save roughly $10 daily and spare the air 10 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. They also burn around 360 calories!
• Based on gas prices of about $4/gallon, the average annual direct cost of owning, operating, and driving a passenger car roughly 15,000 miles is nearly $14,000. It costs about $300 a year to maintain a bike on average.

As Queen once said, "I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride it where I like." Maybe if we all heeded these words, we'd become famous rock stars. Ok, maybe not, but at least we can save money and stay healthy!

--Lauren

 Photo taken from this photostream and used with permission of a Creative Commons license.