Drivers trading in vehicles for bikes

By Dave Jordan, NEWS 9

In response to increasing gas prices, a growing number of motorists are trading four wheels for two, as motorcycles and scooters are becoming the vehicles of choice.

Lance Smiley has been riding motorcycles for 25 years and has recently become his primary mode of transportation.

"I get about 32 miles to the gallon," Smiley said.

Smiley would normally drive his Ford F150, but the truck only gets 17 miles to the gallon.

Adam Cody, who drops about 60 dollars every four days on gas, said he's considering trading his Ford Mustang in for a bike.

"It's been a thought on my mind because they get a lot better gas mileage and gas isn't going to go down," Cody said.

Michael Tupps, owner of a BMW/VESPA shop said the scooters are wildly popular in Asia and Europe. Tupps recently bought 16 of the three-wheel Motorcycle Piaggios, also known as MP3s. 13 have already been purchased.

"We've had pretty phenomenal sales the last few months," Tupps said. "It just seems like people have started to realize that things aren't going to get any better."

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Captain Chris West said those on two wheels need to exercise caution on the road.

"They need to be very aware that they're not going to be as easily seen as if they were in a vehicle," West said.

West said motorcycles and scooter fatalities have doubled in the past five to ten years. He said its best that those driving motorcycles should take a safety course before they get on the road.