House Hunting on Two Wheels

"'People these days are looking for work, school, retail and home all accessible in a defined area,' said Matt Kolb, president of Pedal to Properties, which provides showings by bicycle in the Boulder area and plans to open an office in Portland, Ore., by year's end.

'When you're on a bike, especially in a town like this, you open their eyes to the neighborhood and show them how quickly they can get around without a car,' he said.

"'What better way to look for houses?' said Kelly Stroker, 34, a NOAA scientist who pedaled to nine properties with Kolb before deciding on one three miles from work, with bike paths safe enough she could haul her toddler to day care in a bike trailer."