POTTSTOWN, Pa. (CBS) - A Montgomery County bicycle shop is doing its part to help area residents beat the high price of gasoline at the pumps.

John DiRenzo says he’s seen about a 25 percent increase in business at his shop, Tri-County Bicycles, in Pottstown, Pa.

What’s driving the spike is $4-a-gallon gas, and that’s also bringing in more people who are taking advantage of his store’s “bike borrowing” program, which he says is busier and more popular than ever.

“We’re a commuter-friendly shop, we’re in a downtown district that has a cycling lane, it’s a very flat town,” DiRenzo notes.  “I’ve seen a huge uptick in not only avid riders but the general public just saying, ‘Hey, I can park my car — there’s a bike shop in town.”

You can borrow one of their 30 yellow beach cruisers, which were purchased with a grant, at no cost.  You must be 16 and have a valid ID or driver’s license.

DiRenzo says the bikes are great for short trips through town, whether to run errands or pay bills.

Reported by Brad Segall, KYW Newsradio 1060