Dickinson didn't plan to drop his four wheels for two, but frustrated with commuting and downtown parking, he opted for human-powered transportation. In fact, today's high gas prices didn't have a chance to influence Dickinson's decision; he's been getting around exclusively on bike for six years.

Dickinson, who moved to Oregon in 1988 to attend Western Oregon University, has a business degree and originally had plans to don a suit and tie and climb the corporate ladder. Spending a year in Japan studying economics changed all of that.

After living in tight, efficient cities that made the most of public transportation, Dickinson came back to the U.S. with a different perspective.

"I looked around when I got back and saw how addicted we are to our cars," Dickinson said. "We build our lives around them and we are less healthy for it."

Dickinson opted for a simpler and more healthful lifestyle than corporate America seemed capable of offering. 

"I'd rather live simple and do something I really like than try to maintain a certain lifestyle," Dickinson said. "I don't have to go to work just so I can pay for my car."

Today, he works at the Bike Peddler in downtown Salem, helping people keep their bikes in good condition, while offering bike-commuting tips.

"I've helped so many people at the shop start commuting to work," Dickinson says, "They come in and say, `It's the best part of my day!' To me, a bike ride to work in the morning is better than a cup of coffee."

Dickinson also teaches a bike maintenance class at the Bike Peddler through Chemeketa's Community Education program. 

"Part of the reason for teaching the class is to get people to ride their bikes, so they don't have to worry about flat tires or be intimidated."

Dickinson, who owns four bikes and is admittedly a bike enthusiast, says the bike he rides to work and around town isn't anything special, but it does the job.

"It's something you'd see at a yard sale," Dickinson laughed, noting that commuting doesn't necessarily require some high-tech expensive bike, nor does it mean making the commitment he's made.

"You don't have to ride [to work] every day. Even one day a week reduces the resources you use by 20 percent." 

He also points out that there are people of all fitness levels who choose to ride. With the selection of bikes today, anyone can find one that will work. 

"I've seen 60-, 70-year-olds come in with their bikes and they are like kids again."

Despite the boost Dickinson's choice gives to a healthier, more sustainable environment, his motives for retiring his car were largely because he simply enjoys the ride. 

"Having less impact on the world is sort of a bonus for me.  There are so many other reasons to do it."