We need exercise, our wallets need a break; an answer

The price of gasoline is breaking records, and so is the size of our waistlines, so the solution seems obvious: Convert some of the energy that goes into storage on your body into energy that moves your body from point A to point B.

Simple, isn't it?

Not really. Not all of us have the time or motivation to get off our couches and out of our cars, but paying north of $4 for a gallon of fuel should help.

With spring weather finally arriving, we've noticed more and more pedestrians on the street, and bicycle shops are reporting more and more business as people are pulling their bicycles out of storage and putting them back on the streets.

Commuting to work on a people-powered two-wheeler isn't practical for everyone, but a lot more of us could do so if we really wanted to.

That's the idea behind national Bike to Work Week, May 16-20, part of May's National Bicycle Month, which promotes this old form of transportation as a modern, healthy, green alternative to four-wheeled fossil-fueled transportation.

It's a great idea, but it will take a lot of cooperation, and not only from people riding their bicycles to work.

A local insurance company should be commended for its promotion of safe bicycling among kids, including spearheading distribution of helmets.

It's important that all cyclists, young and old, follow the rules of the road, including obeying all traffic signals.

It's even more important that motorists keep a lookout for bicyclists -- and motorcyclists, for that matter -- and give them plenty of room to maneuver.

If you decide to get out your bike, here are a few tips:

* Make sure your bicycle is the right size and adjusted correctly.

* Wear bright, reflective clothing when riding.

* Use a light and reflectors when riding at night.

* Check the brakes and gears to make sure they are working properly, and make sure the tires are inflated correctly.

* Ride in the same direction as traffic.

We already knew bicycling is a great way to get exercise and a great family activity. Thanks to the price of gasoline, however, it's now a great way to get to work.