Today is National Bike to Work Day. However, the city of Anderson is steering clear of the event this year.

Under former Mayor Kevin Smith’s efforts, more than 120 cyclists participated in the city-endorsed event that offered T-shirts and trophies for participation.

This year, the brakes were applied.

“We didn’t have the resources this year to pull it off,” said Lisa Patton, director of public and media relations. “But we encourage healthy alternatives and every day can be a ‘bike to work’ day.”

Local cyclists were awaiting notice from the city as late as Wednesday.

“They did have T-shirts last year and I know a lot of people went to Saint John’s and a lot of other businesses. We had a pretty good group at the city building the last few years,” said Rex Upshaw, a member of the 100-member Anderson Spoke and Wheel club.

“I think mainly nobody spearheaded it and it died,” he added.

With gas prices nearing $4 a gallon, this year might have been a good time to promote biking to work and other spots.

“That’s even more a reason to hold events like this,” Upshaw said.

The club does sponsor other events including a public ride on the Greenways trail in Muncie on July 26. The club’s Web site is http://www.spokeandwheel.funurl.com.

While car drivers might be thinking of turning to bikes, local bike shops haven’t seen an increase in sales. In fact, sales are down over last year at Bicycle Depot, 5107 Columbus Ave.

“Everybody is so tight on their money that they’re not even bringing repairs in,” said owner Greg Wooten. “Usually when a recession is going on, repairs go up and sales go down but we’re not seeing either increase.”

The industry is going through a new cycle.

“People aren’t as interested in the high-end stuff,” said Anthony Reiss, service manager at Kirk’s Bike Shop in Muncie.

“Where people would come in at this time and say they need a road bike that’s $1,500 to $2,000, they’re coming in saying, ‘What do you have that I can ride to work?”