Chapter 1: Introduction
1.5 Bicycling and Walking Benefits Numerous environmental, health, and economic benefits are attributed to bicycling and walking, especially as substitutes for travel by motor vehicles. This section summarizes these benefits, some from research by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC).
1.5.1 ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS Active transportation via walking and biking results in decreased usage and dependency on motor vehicles and non-renewable resources, which can result in reduced greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the transportation sector accounted for the largest portion of greenhouse gas emissions (28%) in the United States in 2018. Building infrastructure for vehicles, such as streets and parking lots, increases the impervious surface of an area which leads to stormwater runoff, urban flooding, and the urban heat island effect. Encouraging pedestrian and bike infrastructure provides an opportunity to integrate green infrastructure into street design and mitigate the urban heat island effect, stormwater runoff, and flooding as well as promote pedestrian health and safety.
1.5.2 HEALTH BENEFITS Despite dramatic strides in recent decades through regulations and technological improvements, vehicle emissions still pose a significant threat to human health. Vehicle-generated air pollution contains harmful greenhouse gas emissions including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and volatile organic compounds. These pollutants and irritants can cause asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and decreased resistance to respiratory infections. Taking steps to reduce these emissions is particularly important in the United States, which leads the world in petroleum consumption. The conversion of driving to bicycling or walking offers a great opportunity to reduce emissions and improve public health. In addition to the universal public health benefit, such as improved air quality, bicycling and walking have the potential to positively impact personal health. A significant percentage of Americans are overweight or obese and projections indicate 42%
of the population will be obese by 2030. To combat this trend and prevent a variety of diseases and their associated societal costs, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggests a minimum of thirty minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity five days per week. Not only do cycling and brisk walking qualify as “moderate-intensity activities,” but they can also be seamlessly integrated into daily routine, especially if chosen for utilitarian purposes like commuting or running errands. In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers found that the number of steps a person takes each day was associated with lower mortality risk from all causes1. Other health benefits associated with moderate activity like bicycling or walking include improved strength and stamina through better heart and lung function. Regular exercise also reduces the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. In addition to heart disease, regular exercise can help to prevent other health problems such as non-insulin dependent diabetes, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis. Exercise has also been shown to improve mental health by relieving depression, anxiety, and stress. More importantly, in rural or low-income areas, many individuals may lack the opportunity to access gyms or fitness centers. Due to this, well-designed and located sidewalks, bike facilities, and shared use paths become even more critical in supporting community health.
1.5.3 ECONOMIC BENEFITS Bicycling infrastructure and programs have increasingly been shown to deliver economic benefits to both individuals and society at large. The benefits of bicycling may outweigh its costs. Bicycling offers obvious cost savings to individuals. Beyond the upfront cost of operating a vehicle are additional maintenance, insurance, and often parking expenses. In 2019, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the average annual cost of vehicle ownership comes out to $9,282, or $773.50 per month. That is the highest cost associated with new vehicle ownership since AAA began tracking expenses. The remaining costs of owning a vehicle extend far beyond maintenance and fuel. 1
Journal of the American Medical Association, March 24, 2020.
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