Bikes continue to outsell cars

AUSTRALIANS still love pedal power, with bike sales outstripping cars for the ninth year in a row. 

The Cycling Promotion Fund says Australians bought just over a million motor vehicles in 2008, while bike sales were 38 per cent higher at one-point-four million.

Fund spokesman Elliot Fishman says interest in cycling's been strengthened by the sluggish economy, coupled with concern over climate change, health,congestion and petrol prices.

Mr Fishman says Australians are also using their bikes more regularly, with census figures showing more people riding to work.

AAP