Who: Madsen Cycles; Salt Lake City, UT

What: kg271/Bucket Bike

Where: Madsen; $1299 or, if you can handle a few minor scratches $1099

Why: Coined the “urban utility bike,” this is one serious grocery getter. No more struggling to squeeze a watermelon into your dainty bike baskets, the 40 gallon bucket can handle your biggest loads, even kids. It comes with a removable bench and two seatbelts so you can secure the little ones in. Perfect for commuting to school, practice, the beach……honestly, can you even imagine how fun it would be riding around in that giant baby blue bucket, as a kid, that is? Although it is tested up to 600 pounds…..

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May is officially bike month so there is no better time to dust off your bike and get out for a ride, be it a carefree pleasure ride, a get your butt in shape power ride, a road rage free ride to work or just getting about town. Either way, it is good for your heart, your wallet, and the planet. And,  if you live in the city like I do, you just might find that it is actually faster to hop on your bike to run your errands than it is by car, and you won’t have to fight for a parking spot or deal with parking meters.

Another added bonus, under the Bicycle Commuter Act (which finally passed on January 1, 2009) if you consistently bike to work you may qualify for a reimbursement of  $20/month from your employer. Consult with your HR department to find out how to add this benefit or check with Accor Services to learn more about commuter benefits.

Some more good news, as reported by Treehugger, bike sales have outpaced car and truck sales in Q1 this year. Bikes are winning 2.6 million in sales to 2.5 million, okay so the difference is marginal but still!