Used Bike Business Booms

With gas prices at a record high and environmental awareness growing, bike use is on the rise in the city. Since 2000, the number of riders has increased 75 percent, according to the city Department of Transportation.

Some new businesses are popping up to help meet the demand. Meet the self-proclaimed “Drug Dealer of Bikes” — a bus driver whose side business is also in transportation. Meanwhile, the folks at Recycle a Bicycle in the East Village are taking donated bikes, fixing and selling them, with profits going toward the group’s education programs.

WHEELS IN MOTION: Recycle a Bicycle is a non-profit group that fixes donated used bikes and sells them.