With several of Japan’s transportation systems breaking down after the 8.9-magnitude earthquake, a significant number of people are taking to their bicycles to get around.

With roads being damaged, electricity being uncertain, and trains being unreliable, stranded commuters are turning to bicycles to make the trip to and from work. Byron Kidd, a local blogger in the Tokyo region, who writes at Tokyo by Bike, has been reporting that he’s seen tons of new bikers take to the roads in the aftermath of the earthquake.

“Tokyo bicycle shops showing strong sales tonight as stranded commuters look for an alternative way home,” he tweeted on Friday.

In fact, he says that a friend “passed by a bicycle shop in Omotesando, the guy sold all his inventory including expensive ones that run 300k yen ($3,700).”

As TheCityFix blog mentions, bike’s have been used in the past as a reliable transportation option during disasters. Bicycles came in handy in Haiti when a earthquake ravaged the country, especially to deliver medical and food supplies and to temporarily relocate people.

With gas prices being as uncertain as they are, bikes are a more economical option to cars, and they don’t emit any harmful emissions.

They are also better for your health in the long run.

Our thoughts are with Byron and the people of Japan.