Statistics

Here are some stats to help you quickly convey the benefits of bicycling. For more detailed stats, click on a link in the left navigation bar for participation, economic, health, facilities, environmental, and safety stats. Keep track of recently added stats, as new statistics are added frequently. You can also download our Statistics One-Pager for a quick resource on the benefits of bicycling. To request a printed copy, contact sarah@bikesbelong.org.

1. Bicycling is for everyone

Bicycling is the second most popular outdoor activity in the United States. (Outdoor Foundation, 2010)
47% of Americans say they would like more bike facilities in their communities. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2008)
Most trips Americans make are short: 50% are less than 3 miles, 40% are less than 2 miles, and 28% are less than 1 mile. (US Department of Transportation, 2009)

2. Bicycling can help you live longer and better

Adults who bike to work have better weight, blood pressure, and insulin levels. (Gordon-Larsen, P., et al., 2009)
Women who bike 30 minutes a day have a lower risk of breast cancer. (Luoto, R., et al., 2000)
Adolescents who bicycle are 48% less likely to be overweight as adults. (Menschik, D, et al., 2008)

3. Bicycling boosts the economy

The U.S. bicycle industry sold $5.6 billion in bicycles and equipment in 2009. (National Bicycle Dealers Association, 2010)
More than three times as many new bicycles (14.9 million) are sold in the U.S. each year than cars (4.6 million). (National Bicycle Dealers Association, 2010; Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 2010)
Studies have shown that homes closer to bike paths are more valuable. (Various sources)

4. Bicycling is less expensive than driving a car

The average American househould spends $7,179 per year on owning and driving their cars. (Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 2010)
On a round-trip commute of 10 miles, bicyclists save around $10 daily. (Commute Solutions, 2011)

5. Bicycling reduces road congestion and air pollution

Traffic congestion wastes nearly 3.9 billion gallons of gas per year in the U.S. (Texas Transportation Institute, 2010)
For every 1 mile pedaled rather than driven, nearly 1 pound of CO_² (0.88 lbs) is saved. (US Environmental Protection Agency, 2009)

6. Bicycling is safe, and together we can make it safer

The health benefits of cycling outweigh the risks by a factor of 20 to one. (Hillman, M., 1992)
There is safety in numbers: the more cyclists there are, the safer bicycling is. (Jacobsen, P., 2003)

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