On a roll:

As the temperature and price of gasoline climb, bicycle sales are heating up, as well.

Area bicycle shops are beginning to see an influx of customers looking for a cheaper form of transportation.

“We are selling a lot of commuter-style bikes — bikes that are outfitted with fenders, lights and other accessories to make them more comfortable,” said Grant Corman, manager of The Bicycle Shop in State College. “We have probably seen a 10 to 15 percent increase in sales compared to last year.”

“There’s no doubt there are people buying bikes and riding them instead of paying the $4 for gasoline, which it will soon be,” said Eddie Magulick, owner of Eddie’s Bicycles and Sports Equipment in State College. “They say, ‘I am not paying $4 a gallon.’”

Business also is picking up at Pedal Power in Altoona.

“We are starting to see a little bit of an increase because of the better weather,” owner Byron Deshong said. “We have seen people looking to buy something suitable to ride back and forth to work, and these are people who would not usually do it.”

However, Bryan Caporuscio, general manager at Spokes-N-Skis in Lakemont, isn’t seeing the same results.

“Our numbers may be up a little bit, but that may just be growth,” Caporuscio said. “No one has said they are buying a bike because of the gas prices.”

Corman and Deshong said they are seeing more people bring in old bicycles for repairs so they can put them to use.

Deshong said Altoona is a bicycle-friendly town.

‘‘Anyone who rides a bicycle can get to most of the areas in the city about as fast as he can in a car. You just have to get on the bike and do it,’’ he said. ‘‘If we had more bicycle facilities — like parking areas and racks for bikes — there would be even more people riding their bikes.’’

Magulick said more people should consider using bicycles, even people who don’t think they can use a bicycle for commuting. He said people can ride three to five miles in 20 to 30 minutes.

‘‘People are starting to see the light and think about it. They are green, they are good for the body, the exercise is wonderful and they’re fun,’’ he said.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 946-7467.