TUCSON, Ariz. — With gas prices well over $3 per gallon these days, people in the Old Pueblo are taking advantage of the 300 plus days of sunshine and are dropping their four wheels for two smaller ones.

Instead of worrying about how many miles per gallon they can get in terms of gasoline, Tucson commuters may wonder how many liters of water they’ll need for the ride to work or school.

“With a younger crowd it’s getting more popular, if they’re getting them it’s for recreation but we’re starting to see an older crowd in here,” said Chris Cunnecly, an employee at the Ordinary Bike Shop at 311 E. Seventh St.

An article in Saturday’s Tucson Citizen highlighted the trend toward giving up on gas in Tucson, and bike riders and owners have seen the increase toward two-wheel motion.

“Definitely an increase,” said Ralph Phillips, manager of Fairwheel Bicycles at 1110 E Sixth St. “Right across the board, people 50 plus, no problem.”

“We’ve got a bunch of blue collar people. Even got two lawyers who came in here and bought $2,000 bikes and bring their stuff with them and shower before they work,” Cunnecly said.

The Tuesday night bike ride, a new Tucson tradition has seen a huge increase in numbers since its inception a little over a year ago, said Cunnecly and fellow employee and enthusiast Nick Jett. But the recreational riders don't necessarily translate to commuting bicyclists.

With little rain, Tucson’s desert climate makes for an ideal biking city, but that tune might change in the summer time. When daytime temperatures reach triple digits, bicyclists will feel the heat from the sun and the highest anticipated gas prices in a long time. Will it slow them down?

“They’ll do it (ride into work),” Phillips said.

Cunnecly agreed.

“It’s hot out, but really just get over it,” he said.

Sandi Rousseau, secretary for the Greater Arizona Bicycling Association said she couldn’t be sure if an increase in membership has risen recently due to gas prices because “that’s not normally what we see” when new members register.

“I know we’ve had an increase, but I won’t know until after our next meeting, where we’ll discuss membership,” Rousseau said.

April is a big month for bicyclists and potential car-abandoners, as Pima County will be hosting Clean Air Days. Information can be found here on the various events planned for the Tucson area.