Alternative transportation

Stan Beckman, of Ottawa, enjoys riding his scooter to work at Beckman Jewelers in Ottawa. He's done so since 1987.

"I only have about four blocks to go to work, so it works well for me. I have no idea how many miles I get per gallon," he said, laughing. "But I know a gallon lasts a long time."

Beckman, who was likely once seen as a bit of an eccentric for his transportation choice, isn't alone these days. With gas prices still high, many residents in the region are seeking alternative means of transportation. While many have cut back on trips in the car, a growing number have sought out other modes of transport - from golf carts to bicycles to motorcycles.

Golf carts

Delbert Henry, of Ada, owns D & J Golf Carts and said business is up 30 percent and "getting better."

"We're selling golf carts to people in Bluffton, Pandora, Ada, Indian Lake, Carey and Cairo," he said.

"Many towns have passed ordinances allowing golf carts on their streets," he said. "I've sold close to 30 golf carts to people in Pandora alone."

Pandora fiscal officer Lana Burry said village officials gave consensus to make golf carts street legal - if they follow Ohio Motor Vehicle regulations.

The regulations require carts to have lights, license plates, title of ownership, a rear view mirror and brake lights. Considered as underspeed vehicles, golf carts can only be made street legal when approved by the jurisdiction where the vehicle is to be used.

Other towns in the area that allow golf carts include Delphos and Leipsic. Golf carts are not allowed on roads in Ottawa or Lima. Drivers should check with officials in their towns for specific rules. Many small towns have made golf carts illegal on state routes because of safety concerns.

Henry said gas golf carts can get 45 to 50 miles per gallon.

"A lot of people prefer the electric carts, though," he said. "They are quieter."

Henry said the average price of a golf cart is $4,000 to $5,000.

"For awhile there I was selling a cart a day. Of course, now that fall is coming, sales have slowed," Henry said.

Carrie Miller, of Pandora, said cold weather doesn't stop her.

"We have a cab on our cart. When the sun is shining it can be nice and warm inside the golf cart in the winter," she said.

She said they use their golf cart - purchased a few years ago because of high gas prices - to get around town for bingo games, grocery shopping and church.

Sharon Ridinger, of Pandora, said she and her husband, Paul, have had a golf cart for six years.

"The first time we were picked up, we were given a ticket," she said. "We didn't have a license plate and lights."

Since then they have purchased a properly equipped golf cart and had it licensed.

"We use it for about everything around town," Ridinger said. "We go to the post office and grocery store with it. We even like driving it around for enjoyment in the evening."

Business owner Henry believes the trend has just begun.

"It's just unbelievable what is coming down the road," Henry said. "I think we've only hit the tip of the iceberg."

Bicycles

Luke Jordan, manager of Lima Schwinn Cyclery and Fitness, said bike sales and repairs have increased significantly.

"Most people who are coming to buy bikes say they are doing it to save on fuel," Jordan said. "After a few weeks, though, they return and tell how much better they are feeling since they started riding their bicycle regularly."

Barney Beckman, who works at Beckman Jewelers, Ottawa, said he has been riding his bicycle to work for the past 10 years. The distance from his home to work is more than three-quarters of a mile.

"Part of the time when I have errands or Rotary, I will drive to work," Beckman said. "But on days when I'm going to be at the store all day, I enjoy riding to work. It's nice to get outside."

If you're considering dusting off your bike, remember the rules. Lima Police Maj. Kevin Martin said riding bicycles on the sidewalk in downtown Lima is illegal.

Ada allows bicyclists on the sidwalk, but they must stay on the correct side of the road. Delphos allows non-motorized bicycles on the sidewalk.

"The biggest problem I've seen about bicycle riders is they forget they are to travel with the flow of traffic," Martin said. "Many people ride against the flow of traffic."

Although more bicyclists are on the road, the number of yearly crashes in Ohio has gradually decreased. According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety, the highest number of bicycle injuries and fatalities was seen with children ages 11 to 15. More than half of the injuries and fatalities occurred with children 18 and under.

Motorcycles and scooters

Mark Joyce, sales manager for Harley Davidson, Lima, said business has been brisk for fuel-saving motorcycles.

"A lot more people who drive over ten miles to work one way are riding motorcycles," Joyce said. "(Mileage per gallon) can range from in the high 30's to 55 miles per gallon. With the price of fuel, that is a big plus for many people."

Smaller motorcycles are also becoming more popular.

"I think in the past many people were buying motorcycles as touring bikes for greater distances. Now we are seeing people buying a second motorcycle to get to work," Joyce said.

Motorcycle registrations have gradually increased since 2005, both statewide and in the region. As of July, Allen County had 2,951 motorcycles registered. This compares to 3,358 motorcycles registered in 2007. Auglaize County had 2,079 registrations for 2007, and by July there were 2,532 registrations. In Putnam County, the total as of July was 1,551, which compares to 1,291 last year.

Endorsements for motorcycles have stayed roughly steady across the region.

Gehrisch, with the Ohio State Highway Patrol post in Lima, is concerned about the growing number of crashes and fatalities involving motorcycles.

In Ohio, there were 4,982 crashes involving motorcycles, including 190 deaths during 2007. This was an increase of more than 17 percent from 2006.

"I think what we are seeing is not only more motorcycles on the road but more novice riders," he said.