The positive aspects of bicycling and walking as modes of transportation span across many aspects of our lives.

Health Benefits

The health benefits of regular physical activity are far-reaching: reduced risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases, lower health care costs, and improved quality of life for people of all ages.

• 60% of Americans lead completely sedentary lifestyles, and 40% are clinically overweight (1998 report of the American Medical Association)
• Research conducted in 1999 by the Centers for Disease Control found that obesity and overweight are linked to the nation's number one killer--heart disease--as well as diabetes and other chronic conditions. The report also states that one reason for Americans' sedentary lifestyle is that "walking and cycling have been replaced by automobile travel for all but the shortest distances." (October 27, 1999 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association)

Transportation Benefits

Many of the trips made every day are short enough to be accomplished on a bicycle or on foot. The 1995 National Personal Transportation Survey (NPTS) found that approximately 40% of all trips are less than 2 miles in length – which represents a 10-minute bike ride or a 30-minute walk.

Bicycling and walking can help to reduce roadway congestion. Many streets and highways carry more traffic than they were designed to handle, resulting in gridlock, wasted time and energy, and pollution. Bicycling and walking require less space per traveler than automobiles.
 

• One in ten U.S. households do not own an automobile (1995 NPTS)
• About one-third of all Americans cannot or do not drive -- they may be too young, too old, or unable to afford a car. (1990 U.S. Census)
• There are 9 million bicycle trips and 56 million walking trips in the U.S. everyday (1995 NPTS)
• About 40% of all trips are shorter than 2 miles - a 10-minute bike ride or a 30-minute walk (1995 NPTS)

Environmental Benefits

Transportation is responsible for nearly 80% of carbon monoxide and 50% of nitrogen oxide emissions in the United States. Many metropolitan areas do not meet the air quality standards specified in the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. Although individual cars are much cleaner today than they were in earlier years, overall air quality will deteriorate if traffic continues to grow. Moreover, cars and trucks burn millions of barrels of oil every day.

• Motor vehicle emissions represent 31% of total carbon dioxide, 81% of carbon monoxide, and 49% of nitrogen oxides released in the U.S. (Clean Air Council)
• 60% of the pollution created by automobile emissions happens in the first few minutes of operation, before pollution control devices can work effectively.
• A short, four-mile round trip by bicycle keeps about 15 pounds of pollutants out of the air we breathe. (WorldWatch Institute)
• Air pollution contributes to the deaths of 60,000 people nationwide. In urban areas with poor air quality, asthma is becoming a more significant health concern. (Harvard University School of Public Health)

Quality of Life Benefits

Better conditions for bicycling and walking have intangible benefits to the quality of life in cities and towns. In a growing number of communities, bicycling and walking are considered as indicators of a community’s livability – a factor that has a profound impact on attracting businesses and workers as well as tourism. In cities and towns where people can regularly be seen out bicycling and walking, there is a palpable sense that these are safe and friendly places to live and visit.

The recreation benefits of bicycling and walking have been documented. According to the Report of the President’s Commission on Americans Outdoors (1990), nearly 90% of Americans age 12 and older go outdoors for recreation. This research found that 60 million Americans are bicyclists and 100 million walk for pleasure. Improved sidewalks, trails and bikeways make an evening stroll or bike ride possible and provide public areas where neighbors can get to know each other.

Links

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Physical Activity Resources
2. National Center for Bicycling & Walking Guide to Increasing Physical Activity through Community Design   (PDF–814k)
3. Bikes Belong Coalition Guide for Bicycling/Moving America Forward