The recession is squeezing sales of bikes and cars in the first quarter of 2009, but auto makers are being squeezed a bit harder, with more bikes being sold than cars and trucks in the U.S.

Around 2.6 million bikes purchases were made in the first quarter of the year, compared to less than 2.5 million cars and trucks, according to a story in The Huffington Post.

Sales of both modes of transportation are down when compared to the same quarter a year ago, but only one is getting bailed out by the federal government, or facing bankruptcy.

Bicycle sales are down more than 30% from the first quarter of 2008, which is less than the 35%-plus drop in sales for cars and trucks.

Rising gasoline prices may lead to more people using bikes for everyday trips, which can save a lot of money on short distances.

The environmental benefits of riding a bike are substantial -- biking or walking emits zero carbon dioxide, compared with more than 1 pound of C02 emitted per mile in an average solo car trip or airplane ride.

And let's also ponder the wide-ranging health benefits of daily bike commuting.

If auto makers could offer a product that would help our environment, our wallets and our waistlines, they might start selling more cars.