Professional bicyclists will gather in the shadow of the Pony Express statue tomorrow.

It seems unlikely that an Old West town became the starting point for the Tour of Missouri, a cycling competition of international fame.

It’s just as unlikely that 150 years ago, anyone would have predicted that horses and mochilas would be replaced with internal combustion engines and e-mail.

It’s hard to imagine what the next wave will carry, but we need to give it consideration. The city’s infrastructure, even our way of life, have been built around vehicles. Businesses depend on vehicles to get customers and employees to their door.

No one expected that to change. We also didn’t expect oil prices to increase exponentially within 10 years. High fuel prices have become like a losing season for the Royals: something to complain about, but also to be expected.

As usual, enterprising individuals and private businesses have been the first to adapt. The public sector will take a little longer to catch up.

This week’s race shines a spotlight on the popularity of bike riding. Many do it because it’s fun and good exercise. But a growing number of people are riding bikes because it saves gas money. Others have turned to motorcycles, scooters and just about anything else they can put together to get cheaper transportation. Any bids on when the first Segway will show up in St. Joe?

As more and more alternative modes of transportation take to the streets and sidewalks, we’ll have to get serious about addressing safety and courtesy concerns.

Bikers, cyclists and — would you call them scooterists? — need to learn the rules. Buying a hot pink scooter does not entitle anyone to go screeching around corners without stopping, drive in the wrong lane or back up miles of traffic while tooling up the highway.

The rest of us drivers will have to figure it out, too. Do you treat a scooter just like another vehicle or more like a bicycle? When are you allowed to pass?

The City of Albany made it legal this summer to drive golf carts on city streets. It’s a progressive move other communities will want to consider.

St. Joseph has a nice bike trail network and the pedestrian bridge over the Belt Highway is a nice addition. But where’s the exit to the grocery store?

Biking is not just for international athletes and grade schoolers any more. It’s legitimate transportation for people who can’t afford pricier options.

Businesses and communities who take notice and adapt have the most to gain.

Business editor Susan Mires can be reached at susanm@npgco.com.