Cyclists Causing Cities to Reconsider Infrastructure While Economies Grow

What Would Happen if a Lot More People Rode Bikes?

CityLab posted an article about the rising popularity of cycling around the world and in the U.S. More people riding could have a major impact on the world's economy, according to a study.

The world might be able to save $24 trillion over driving expenses, and trim CO2 emissions by nearly 11 percent, compared to a scenario where transit trends continued as usual.

And since 35 percent of trips in cities are less than five kilometers (3.1 miles), if the infrastructure is there, it's easy to imagine. 

The idea is that cities could help meet national targets through a mix of safety and transit policy initiatives and major infrastructure build-outs. The report focuses on urban areas, where higher density helps planners create realistic mobility alternatives to cars.

Cyclists Causing Cities to Reconsider Safety

The Huffington Post interviewed Swedish Film Maker Fredrik Gertten (Bikes v. Cars) about the changes he sees in the safety of cyclists and pedestrians in the city because more people are riding their bikes. 

More Cities are Creating Pedestrian and Cyclist-Centered Infrastructure

Momentum Magazine says there are signs around the country and world that more cities are turning away from car-centric urban planning. 

In North America, we’ve spent decades building cities for cars rather than people. It is a lot of work to undo. But we are at the beginning of a movement that will radically transform the way we move around our communities, and in doing so will transform the ways in which we interact with our environment and with each other. Those of us who walk and ride are at the forefront of this movement, so keep fighting.

Even Los Angeles is Getting on Bike Commuting  

Even the city of pavement is getting on the bike commuting - and public transportation - wagon! This LA Times writer documents how cycling can help the city's transportation needs. 

Cycling Best Way to Build City Economy

Adventure Cycling writes about six ways cycling improves city economic development, including this statistic:

New York City found up to 49% increase in retail sales when the city installed the first protected bicycle lane in the U.S. on 8th and 9th Avenues in Manhattan.