Switch to two wheels to save gas
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Beyond the savings, be legal and safe
Obey the rules. Scooter and bike riders must adhere to motor vehicle rules. But rules often vary by state. Some states require a motorcycle endorsement on your license to drive any scooter. Other states, such as Florida, allow you to drive a 50cc scooter with just your auto license. The smaller scooters with their lower maximum speeds can't drive on some major highways. You can also sign up for a motorcycle safety training course offered by many dealers.

Be visible. Don't drive in a motorist's blind spot. Wear reflective clothing. Use lights at night front and rear -- it's the law. "Use flashing lights on the front and rear," says bike commuter Bernie Farmer of Williamsburg, Va. "You'll look like a dork, but you'll stand out."

Also make sure to pretend you're invisible. Leave extra space around your bike or scooter so that you can react to a motorist who doesn't see you.

"Over half the accidents involve a car or truck and a majority of the time the motorist is at fault," says Dean Thompson, spokesman for the Motorcycle Safety Council. "But at that point, it doesn't matter."

Claim the lane. You'll be tempted to ride near the shoulder, but you're more likely to run over glass and other debris.

"When I first started commuting by bike, I was terrified because of the way people drive," says Grahl. "I would either stay on the sidewalks (which isn't legal everywhere) or stay on the far right side of the road. But when you squeeze way over to the right, people try to get by you in the lane and you'll get knocked by a rearview mirror or worse. When you claim the lane, people have to go way over to get by."

Be aware that most crashes occur at intersections. What often happens is what riders call a left hook, when an oncoming car makes a left turn in front of the bike or scooter the motorist doesn't see.

Cost of getting in gear

• Look for wide, puncture-resistant bike tires, says Grahl, who admits he just calls his wife if he has a flat. Bike tires cost around $15 to $20 each. • A helmet will cost $40, a pump another $40 and a lock, $20. • If you carry lots of stuff, get a bike with racks. • Folding bikes are great for splitting a commute between the road and the subway and are easy to store at the office. • Keep your bike safe with a U-lock, which is more secure than a cable or chain, Gilliland says. • For short commutes, many bikers commute in their work clothes. Bike shorts designed to wick moisture away from your body, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter, will cost about $45. A jersey with similar wicking qualities will cost about $40. • On a scooter, you'll want a helmet, goggles, gloves, boots and ideally, a leather jacket and pants. The average scooter owner spent about $143 on this gear in 2003, according to Mount.

Cleanup at the office
In an ideal world, you'll have a private office and/or a shower and locker room to change if you're not biking in work clothes. If that's not the case, get creative. Some bikers find nearby gyms that allow them to join with shower-only privileges. Many bikers use unscented cleansing wipes to freshen up. Or move your desk upwind.

The biggest problem? Helmet hair. "A little spray, a little bit of brushing and you can clean yourself up when you get to work," Savino says.

Karen Haywood Queen is a freelance writer in Williamsburg, Va.