Northwest Philly cashes in on biking boom

by Jon Campisi
Star Staff


In a time when Philadelphia is experiencing a steady increase in recreational and commuter biking, area bike shops like Manayunk's Cadence Cycling and Human Zoom Bikes & Boards have taken advantage of the trend.

Those businesses enjoyed a spike in customer traffic in recent years, an era they say is driven by people who are more conscious of the environment and more in tune with healthful practices.

And while many use bicycling as a recreational outlet, others consider it a practical and environmentally kosher way of getting around.

"Bicycles are actually more useful in rush hour," East Falls resident Bill Ross said during a visit to Human Zoom last week, where he stopped to have his 15-year-old bike tuned-up.

Ross said he has chosen to bike to work in recent years because it saves on wear and tear on his car, and saves him time during peak hours where traffic congestion is frustrating.

Read the complete story at: http://www.philly.com/community/pa/philadelphia/78325102.html