Consumers Turning To Motorcycles Due To High Gas Prices

The high cost of gasoline is apparently changing the way people are planning to get around this summer.

Motorcycles have always had a certain allure.

The freedom of the open road, for one, and on some bikes that certain sound.

But as motorists try to squeeze every drop of gasoline they can into their cars, many are looking for more fuel-efficient modes of transportation.

“The price of gasoline is ridiculous. I actually leave my car in the garage,” said motorcycle owner Art Aquino.

Aquino is not alone.

With summer coming up, in addition to the high prices of gas, motorcycle sales are going through the roof.

“They are definitely up. Not only because of the new store, but mainly gas has really hit people. People are getting back into bikes again,” said Jeff Kinney of Fun Bike Center.

It is not just motorcycles.

Some of the best sellers at the Fun Bike Center are scooters, some of which can go as fast as 90 mph.

If the higher gas prices have you thinking about a motorcycle or scooter, there are some things you need to know before you ride.

Aside from wearing a helmet, which is the law in California, you also need a motorcycle endorsement on your license to legally ride in the state.

“If you’re going to operate a motorcycle on the freeway, you’re going to need an M-1 endorsement, which requires a safety course to go with that,” said Mark Gregg of the California Highway Patrol.

The CHP said most motorcycle accidents happen because drivers don’t seem them.

Still, with warmer weather and high gas prices, the lure of the open road is a tempting one.

According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, sales in just the first three months of this year have increased 8.5 percent.