Bike tours becoming popular among homebuyers

House-hunters in Illinois are finding a healthier, more environmentally friendly way to look for a new home.

Interested homebuyers are joining bike riding caravans that allow them to take the scenic route when they tour open houses, according to the Active Transportation Alliance of Chicago. Two Illinois towns in particular - Homewood and Oak Park - have accommodated their city streets to new bike lanes and pedestrian walkways, making bike tours a more popular option among house-hunters.

Recent events in both towns gave participants a map displaying homes for sale, local businesses and schools, and places of interest. The rides allow prospective homeowners a chance to get out of their cars and experience a new neighborhood's sights and sounds, said Southland coordinator Steve Buchtel. Even people who aren't interesting in purchasing a home are joining in.

"You get the American dream without the rude awakening of weight gain, traffic headaches, and dollars down the tank," Buchtel said.

Urban bike tours are catching on across the nation as recreational bike riding becomes a popular method to stay healthy and protect the environment. Venture Outdoors, an organization in Pittsburgh, frequently schedules community bike rides.

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