FARMER CITY - If you decide to beat high gas prices and bike to work, don't forget your office keys.

"The one thing I've learned (about bike commuting) is you really want to make sure you bring everything you need to work," Blue Ridge School Superintendent Jay Harnack said with a chuckled. "It's not nearly as easy to run home if you forgot something."

But other than forgetting his keys a couple of times, Harnack and high school Principal John Lawrence have been enjoying the three-mile commute to work from their homes in the Prairie View subdivision.

It was Lawrence's idea, and he received permission from the school board in June to dress more casually during the summer to facilitate more pedaling.

"I thought about doing it last year," said Lawrence. "I decided to try it this year, and just have a change of clothes if I need it."

Harnack jumped on board. He enjoys the commute for several reasons.

"It's good exercise, it's cheaper than driving, and it's good for the environment," he said. "Plus, I just enjoy riding, too."

The commuting thing may not end with the summer if Lawrence can make sure he has work clothes at the office.

"I'd like to see how long I can go," he said.

Harnack said the only downside to the ride is having to pedal on Illinois 54 for the first half mile where there are no sidewalks - something Farmer City Manager Trent Smith hopes will change in the near future.

At the request of Alderman Tom McNutt, also a Prairie Ridge homeowner, Smith has been looking at a walk path that would connect the town's newest homes to the main portion of the city. City council approval is needed.

"It would keep the kids off of 54 and (eliminate) people walking on the highway - and would get more people walking into town," Smith said. "It's more reasons for people to come into town."

Harnack would love to see more kids biking and walking to school, and said the walk path would be a good start toward finding more safe routes to Blue Ridge schools.