It’s not quite a two-wheel takeover, but release revealed a 60 percent increase in American bicycle commuting during the past decade—the largest increase in use of all forms of transportation. How’s that for cool news on ?
The bike-to-work crowd makes up —786,000 people—but a closer look shows that some places have seen veritable cyclapocalypses. Owing in part to its , Idaho (yes, Idaho) saw a 110 percent increase in cyclists, and, to the surprise of no one, Portland’s cycling crowd blew us all out of the bike lane with its cycling population exploding from 1.8 percent of residents in 2000 to 6.1 percent.
also looked into walking trends, coming away with the sobering statistic that we’re not getting more ambulatory by commuting standards. As with biking, some cities broke from the pack with outstanding numbers. Boston leads the way with 15.1 percent of residents beginning their mornings on the right foot.
Census data was collected through , which asked respondents to comment on the mode of their commute as well as length in time and distance. Internet users can explore the data in , the U.S. Census’s interactive map program.
For some, biking to work is a means of emphasizing personal fitness. Others prioritize more efficient use of natural resources. If you’re someone for whom being green isn’t easy but is necessary, certain environmentalists argue that . But at ԹϺ, the cyclists have spoke-n: Wheel continue pedaling (or possibly -ing), thank you.
More ԹϺ coverage of bike commuting:
Strava Data Helps SF Cyclists Bike Better
Bike Commuters Are the Happiest Commuters