Bikes for Clunkers

Trade in your old gas guzzler for a new fuel-efficient vehicle? Sounds great, right? But we're not talking about Cash For Clunkers, the government program that ended Monday and succeeded in getting drivers to trade up for more eco-friendly autos. In Oregon, one businessman is promoting an alternative that needs no fuel at all: bicycles.

The Oregonian reports that Joe Doebele, owner of Joe Bike, a shop in Portland, Ore., has come up with his own proposal for getting clunkers off the streets — and more customers into his store. Under his program, customers can bring in their old cars or bikes, which Doebele will donate to charity, and in return, he will take $200 off "a shiny new cargo-hauling utility bicycle." As part of the program, car-sharing company Zipcar is giving discounts to its vehicles.

Doebele calls his program "Cash for Clunkers," too. But for the government program's critics, don't be confused: This one results in zero emissions. And oh, we're pretty sure this one will benefit an American business. That is, unless Toyota runs a bike shop in Portland.

Photo courtesy of InsideStory, via Flickr