Bicycle Commuting Growing Fast in US Cities
The US cycling scene has seen big changes in recent years. Cities across the country have invested heavily in cycling infrastructure and bike-sharing initiatives, making it easier and more convenient for people to ride their bikes daily. Bicycle commuting is now a viable, eco-friendly mode of transportation for many Americans. Here, we look at the cities where bike commuting is growing fastest.
Data on Cycling Commuting
It’s not just anecdotal evidence that cycling is growing in popularity – recent US Census data shows there’s been an increase in bicycle commuters across the country. The Census Bureau’s American Community Survey found that the number of bicycle commuters grew by 6.9% between 2013 and 2017.
What’s more, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported that bike commuting accounted for 0.7% of all commutes in the US in 2017 – up from 0.6% in 2009.
Biggest Gains in Bike Commuting
While bike commuting has grown across the country, some cities have seen bigger increases than others. The cities with the biggest jumps in bike commuting include:
• Minneapolis, Minnesota – an increase of 136.7%
• Austin, Texas – an increase of 125.2%
• Portland, Oregon – an increase of 95.1%
• Seattle, Washington – an increase of 74.4%
• San Francisco, California – an increase of 43%
Factors Contributing to the Increase
So why is bike commuting growing so quickly in these cities? There are several reasons why, including:
• City-Funded Infrastructure Improvements – Many of the cities where bike commuting is growing fastest have made significant investments to improve cycling infrastructure. This includes adding protected bike lanes and bike paths, as well as other initiatives designed to make cycling safer, such as traffic calming measures and programs that educate drivers on how to safely share the roads with cyclists.
• Bike-Sharing Programs – Many of the cities where bike-commuting is growing fastest have also implemented bike-sharing programs, which make it easy and convenient for people to access bicycles when they need them. These programs give residents the opportunity to use bicycles as they would a car – enabling them to make short trips around town without ever having to own their own bike.
• A Shift in Attitudes – There’s also a shift in attitudes about cycling as a mode of transportation, and that’s playing a role as well. Cycling is no longer just seen as a leisure activity – more and more, people are recognizing its potential as a practical way to get around.
Benefits to Cities
There are numerous benefits to cities where bicycling is growing fastest. For starters, it provides an alternative to automobiles, which helps reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and carbon emissions. It also provides opportunities for improved public health, as bicycling is an excellent source of exercise.
Finally, bicycle commuting can also contribute to economic development. Cyclists are more likely to frequent local businesses, as they’re more likely to be able to access them more quickly and easily. This can lead to increased foot traffic and greater economic opportunities for businesses in areas where cycling infrastructure is being developed.
Bicycle commuting is growing in popularity in cities across the US. The data shows that bike commuters are on the rise due to investments in infrastructure, bike-sharing programs, and changes in public attitudes about cycling as a mode of transportation. This growth has numerous benefits for cities, including improved public health, reduced traffic congestion and air pollution, and increased economic development. It’s clear that bicycle commuting is an attractive option for many Americans, and the trend is likely to continue in the years ahead.
