New Orleans, Honolulu Rocket Up the Bike Commute Charts
Cycling held its own against other modes of transportation in 2009 despite decreasing gas prices, according to Census numbers crunched by the League of American Bicyclists.
The league released its annual Bike Commuter Rates report for the 70 largest U.S. cities yesterday. Established leaders in the cycling movement hold many of the top spaces, including Portland (#1) and Minneapolis (#2). But the list held some surprises too. Oakland jumped a few places to number five, with more than 2.5 percent of commute trips by bike. New Orleans recorded a dramatic 174 percent increase in cycling to reach number 6 overall. Honolulu also rocketed up the chart to number seven.
On the LAB's Blog, analyst Darren Flusche notes that in the past year, cities not known for cycling amenities saw the biggest increases in bike commute rates:
Despite predictions that the number of Americans biking to work would fall after gas prices returned to ‘normal’ in 2009, the percentage has held steady at 0.55 percent. The Bicycle Friendly Communities (BFC) among the 70 largest cities also held steady with a 1 percent increase, while non-BFCs increased their commuter share by 26 percent. BFC cities still have on average about twice the percentage of commuters as non-BFC cities.
The league's list is based on data from the Census's bi-annual American Community Survey, which come with several caveats that Flusche points out. You can see the results of the league's bike commuting report in this PDF.
Elsewhere on the Network today: Urban STL reports that officials in St. Charles County, Missouri have opted against a partial bike ban, but not without some disparaging words for cyclists. Reinventing Parking laments that a region in India has joined parts of China and Vietnam in considering price controls on private sector parking fees. And Gary Rides Bikes hypothesizes as to why motorists often engage in risky behavior in order to pass cyclists.
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Are Friday’s Headlines the New Normal?
Transit ridership hasn't come all the way back from the pandemic, and they're going to need more federal help, along with other changes, says Governing magazine.
Friday Video: How to Make Places Safe For Non-Drivers After Dark
A top Paris pedestrian planner, a leading GIS professional, and Streetsblog's own Kea Wilson weigh in on the roots of America's nighttime road safety crisis, and the strategies that can help end it.
OPINION: Congestion Pricing Will Help My Family Get Around As We Navigate Cancer Treatment
My partner was recently diagnosed with cancer. Congestion pricing will make getting her to treatment faster and easier.
Talking Headways Podcast: Money is a Lot of Different Things
It's Part II of our discussion with Jim Kumon!
If Thursday’s Headlines Build It, They Will Come
Why can the U.S. quickly rebuild a bridge for cars, but not do the same for transit? It comes down to political will and a reliance on consultants.
