Date Published: 07/01/2008

Roads are under construction. There's far too much traffic. Gas prices are soaring. Regardless the time of day or year, these problems persist. Perhaps it is time to find an alternate way to move around town. Depending on how far and how often you plan to travel, you might save time and money by using a different mode of transportation.

Obviously, it is not always feasible to use alternative transportation to get to and from places; sometimes you absolutely have to hop into a car, bus or train. Many of the options listed below can, however, still be incorporated into a daily schedule.

There are many simple ways of traveling around town.
Razor E200

Scooters

If you do not want to exert yourself too strenuously getting 'there and back' or you are too far from your destination to walk, a scooter might just be your best option. Old-fashioned scooters are simply propelled forward by using one foot to push off from the ground. The scooter has had some upgrades since its first appearance ages ago. Scooters now have thicker tires, wider foot boards, studier forks and frames and safety brakes. What's more, the handlebars fold to allow for easy transport and storage.

Many other scooters are either electric- or gas-powered. When choosing between the two, consider the price you want to pay for a scooter, the cost of the energy source and the distance you plan to travel. Also, check out scooter laws in the area before you begin to ride; some scooters are restricted to certain areas, and you may require a license to ride. Finally, you should always remember to wear a helmet when riding.

Razor sells both sport and electric scooters. They are considered to be environmentally friendly because less energy is required for their operation. And unlike cars, electric scooters do not produce polluting emissions. Since many Razor models are foldable, commuters can easily take them aboard trains and buses.


In-line Skates

In-line skates can be used to get around towns and they help you to keep in shape. Even if you don't want to skate to work, you should consider using them when traveling around your neighborhood. As with any recreational equipment, we suggest that you wear the proper helmet and padding when you skate. Also, be aware of where in-line skates are permitted and where they are not. Most of all, though, have fun skating to your destination!


Bicycles

The bicycle is a time-tested mode of transportation. It has developed over the decades to cater to the various needs of cyclists. Road, mountain and BMX are just some of the bike categories that exist today, and each of these styles is built for different purposes. When it comes to using a bike as an alternative mode of transportation, we suggest either a road bike or a mountain bike; these bikes are built to perform best on the terrain on which you will likely be riding. For more information on finding the right bike for you, check out Consumer Guide's Bicycle Buying Guide.

You also need to seek out the proper helmet for your bike-riding excursions and remember that when riding in traffic, cyclists should follow the same rules of the road as drivers. If you are traveling at night, consider wearing brighter colors or reflective gear such as lights or tape.

Schwinn Mesa Mountain Bike

Walk or Jog

Sometimes, the simplest way to get from point A to point B is to put your foot down -- literally. Walking or jogging can be very beneficial to your health and wallet. There really is no cost, unless you want some accessories to help you along down the road. A pedometer can help you keep track of the distance of your walking or jogging excursions; some pedometers even monitor heart rate, estimated calories burned and other details. The Nike+ iPod Sport Kit is a nifty combination for walkers and joggers; you can clip the pedometer to your shoe to keep track of the distance you travel and strap the iPod to your arm and listen to some tunes.

If you require water on your trip and do not have a bag in which to carry it, the GoLite Hydroclutch fits comfortably to the palm of your hand while secured with a stretchable nylon band. A small, zippered pocket provides the perfect spot for storing your keys and ID. For long hikes, The North Face offers hydration packs; a tube runs out from the water reservoir, and a bite valve allows you to drink while on the go without having to fumble with a separate bottle.