Record gas prices and how they could ‘fuel the fire’ for a bicycle boom in Halifax

As the cost of gas and oil continues to fluctuate, bicycle shops in Halifax are gearing up for a busy season as they anticipate more interest in cycling.

The ever-changing price of gas could prompt some Haligonians to turn to cycling as a more reliable, affordable means of transportation, experts say.

Although the price at the pumps may not stay high for long, the massive hikes seen in recent days show how volatile the cost of fuel can be, and bicycle shops across the city are gearing up for an active season.

Andrew Feenstra, the owner of Cyclesmith on Agricola Street in Halifax, says it’s still early in the season and he hasn’t seen much of an influx in customers yet, but he expects things to get “very busy” in the spring.

“Based on gas prices, that will kind of fuel the fire,” he said.

“As the gas price goes up and people start to think about it a little bit more, I think we’re going to see a big increase.”

He said with both March break and the summer months coming up, more people are bound to start showing interest in cycling.

“Cycling is a fantastic way to leave your car parked in the driveway and commute to work, or get groceries, or get kids from school,” he said.

“Whatever you’re using your car for right now, you can probably replace it with a bike every once in a while.”