Carlos Webster commutes by bicycle from his job on Dorrance Street to his home in the Silver Lake section, partly because of the high price of gas and difficulty parking downtown. He bought his shiny red bicycle five months ago and rides one hour each way except in heavy snow. "Gas prices are crazy," he said yesterday, "the bike is cheaper and it’s good exercise." Webster works at Quiznos and even makes deliveries by bicycle.

The Providence Journal / Andrew Dickerman