U.S. Bicyclists Save $4.6 Billion Per Year By Riding Instead Of Driving

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May 18 2012

Contact:
Joseph Rendeiro
NCLR
(202) 776-1566

Carolyn Szczepanski
League of American Bicyclists
(202) 822-1333

Eddie Scher
Sierra Club
(415) 977-5758

Millions to participate in National Bike to Work Day tomorrow

New data released today by the League of American Bicyclists, Sierra Club, and NCLR (National Council of La Raza) highlights the tremendous economic benefits of bicycling and its importance as a transportation choice that should be safe and accessible for every U.S. resident.

The fact sheet release coincides with National Bike to Work Day, when millions of U.S. residents will participate in hundreds of events across the country showcasing bicycling as a healthy, affordable, and efficient form of transportation.

Among the new data highlighted in the fact sheet:

• Bicyclists in the U.S. save $4.6 billion per year by cycling instead of driving.
• If American drivers replaced just one four-mile car trip with a bike trip each week, it would save more than 2 billion gallons of gas per year.
• From 2001 to 2009, Hispanics, African Americans, and Asian Americans took up biking at faster rates than other Americans, representing 21% of all bike trips in the U.S. in 2009.

“There are so many reasons more people are riding, from improving their health to protecting the environment,” said Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists. “But, especially in tough economic times, bicycling can also be an economic catalyst, keeping billions of dollars in the pockets of American families.”

“Biking is an important piece of a 21st century transportation system,” said Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune. “Biking reduces America’s dependence on oil and lets individuals bypass the gas pump, saving individuals money and protecting our health and environment from dirty oil pollution.”

“Bicycling is a crucial mode of commuting for many Latinos,” said Catherine Singley, Senior Policy Analyst at NCLR. “Federal transportation policy should ensure that biking is a safe and viable way to connect people to jobs.”

Widespread interest in—and benefits to be gained from—bicycling make it a crucial and timely priority in our transportation system. Everyone who chooses to bicycle should have access to safe infrastructure that lets them take advantage of the economic and other benefits of cycling.

Click here to view the full fact sheet.

Find additional information, data, and National Bike Month events at www.bikeleague.org/bikemonth.

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Issues:
Geography:California, Far West, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, Texas

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