New data adds job creation to the many benefits of bicycle infrastructure

This week, a coalition of bicycling advocates introduced me to a new report showing that in Baltimore, MD, pedestrian and bicycle projects created nearly twice as many jobs per dollar spent than typical road projects.

In this case-study, "Estimating the Employment Impacts of Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Road Infrastructure," the Political Economy Research Institute compiled data provided by the city of Baltimore. They found that on-street bike lanes and pedestrian measures created more direct jobs, more indirect jobs, and more induced jobs per dollar than either road upgrades or road resurfacing.

That report was followed last week by a survey released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicating widespread public support--67 percent--in America's cities for street design activities that increase physical activity.

A view around the table

Putting the two studies together creates a powerful argument for continuing the Department of Transportation's support for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects. Even as these investments increase mobility, they also generate economic growth. And, people are demanding them for their communities.

I don't think anyone who reads this blog doubts my enthusiasm for increasing Americans' transportation options. In 2009, in one of my first blog entries, I wrote that "Cyclists are important users of our transportation systems." Since then I have demonstrated my commitment to programs that improve options for safe bicycling.

A view of the other end of the table

The reality is that not everyone wants or can afford to own a car. And--even among vehicle owners--some people prefer to get around by public transit. Others prefer to bike or walk. At DOT, we want them to get where they're going safely.

But, as Caron Whitaker of America Bikes said:

"Today, 12 percent of all trips are by bike or on foot, yet America spends only about one percent of its transportation budget on bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. And nearly 14 percent of road fatalities are bicyclists and pedestrians. So we're over-represented in road deaths but under-represented in road spending."

Because safety is this DOT's number one priority, that point hit home.

Listening to Andy Clarke

Where does that leave us? How did I respond to these folks?

Well, there's a budget process, and there's a surface transportation reauthorization process--and DOT does not control either. So my message to them was simple: participate in the process.

Bicycle and pedestrian activists have been very successful at achieving valuable safety gains for their stakeholders. Now is the time for advocates of cycling and walking to get into gear once again.

Armed with the powerful arguments of energy conservation, environmental and health benefits, public demand, and--now--job creation and economic development, I am confident they will succeed.

Comments

[mcas]

Thank you for your commitment to allowing ALL residents the freedom to choose to bike or walk. Let's remember this isn't about building for those of us already biking or 'cyclists' -- we need these projects so the millions of Americans can have *the option* to bike or walk safely -- it's about freedom.

[Frank Turner]

You could create three times as many jobs per federal dollar spent by simply digging holes and filling them back up. The only overhead is for the shovels.

This post is like saying that federal funding for transit operations creates more jobs than funding for transit capital -- while technically it's true for the short term, you aren't actually building anything of substance... your just paying for short-term jobs with scarce federal funds. Once the federal money dries up the job goes away. Not true for major capital projects. Once the project is built, the economic climate is improved to facilitate job growth.

The point is that the federal government's job is not to create an immediate job just to say a job was created. Your logic is why the stimulus is so unpopular these days, despite your best efforts to point to construction jobs created.

Thoughtful infrastructure investment should be focused on creating the conditions for long-term economic growth which leads to more sustainable job growth.

Projects that fit the bill are those that relieve congestion, improve the efficiency of freight logistics, save lives (think about the cost of crashes on society), etc.

[Brian Hamby]

Think of the economic possibilities of being able to travel safely not just within cities, but between cities as well.

[James Reynolds]

As full-time commuter bicyclist of almost 16 years, I appreciate your level of commitment and am heartened to see the positive changes brought about in the past couple of years for those wanting bicycle and pedestrian options.

[Victoria]

Let's not forget the graying of America and wanting to find ways to play with our grandchildren when vacationing. What better way to have the generations meet than with bike touring? Something young and old and grandchildren can do. Eateries, parks, stores will all benefit from this kind of eco tourism, as a a bike ride and during, who want to stop off for lunch, souvenir or icecream to amke the family day an event?.
Beach bike riding, scenic route,bike paths

[Bikemonterey]

Bicycling is benefiting our economy in yet another way here in Monterey County, through our long-term ecology-economy partnership project, HER Helmet Thursdays. Cyclists are motivated to get out and support Hotels, Educational and Entertainment venues, and Restaurants--hence the acronym, "HER"--because those businesses and organizations give discounts every Thursday just because you bike. HER also stands for Mother Earth, who benefits from more people biking.

For details, see http://www.HERHelmetThursdays.org or http://www.BicyclingMonterey.com

[Rogerb448]

Too many bike paths are promoted as destinations as opposed to tools for getting somewhere. I doubt bicycle commuting will ever be mainstream in this country, the minority that bikes deserves safe routes. Sometimes just putting a bike lane on a bridge or over pass is all that is necessary. Hope this gets some traction. Roger.

[sum4me2u]

Wow. I must say I like your site. Go on developing it. It's just great

[Michael E. Bailey]

This is very important news for both public health and the environment that the majority of people support infrastructure projects that will help stimulate physical activity and that developing such projects actually employes more workers than traditional road work does. We are finding out what many people in developing countries already know: that bikes can be very important to the economy and a very practical alternative to cars for the less affluent in society. The bike can evolve into something much more than a two-wheeled pedal powered vehicle. In some countrires bikes have been fitted out to be able to pull trailers behind them to haul goods to and from markets. Bike ambulances have made improvements to medical access for the rural poor in developing countries. And in Laos, bikes have been fitted with three wheels and push-pull handles for disabled persons unable to use their feet to peddle. So that news that bikes and walking are becoming more important in this country is great news. Best wishes, Michael E. Bailey.

[LoneStarLaurel]

I love this site, too. Agree with all the great comments re: safe, healthy, fun, business opportunities & job creation. Win, win, win. Healthier people, happier people, good opp/boost for local businesses, good for the environment, save money on fuels, etc..

WISH: Let's build sidewalks and bike lanes like we mean it - wide enough to use! Let's have multi-use access routes between now fenced-blocked neighborhoods which can be used by local residents for visiting, family outings, exercise and as alternate access routes to nearby parks and business areas currently accessible only by automobiles & city streets.

[NYBC.NET]

In addition to the short-term job creation, investment in bicycle-related infrastructure has long-term economic benefits as well. There's plenty of evidence out there in the literature.

See a literature review at http://www.altaplanning.com/App_Content/files/pres_stud_docs/economic_benefits_of_bicycling.pdf

[Luke]

Thanks for this. It's amazing that ll residents can have a freedom to choose either to walk or bike. I think this is a real step up foward

Cheers
Luke

[Ronald Gurth]

mces posted "Thoughtful infrastructure investment should be focused on creating the conditions for long-term economic growth which leads to more sustainable job growth.

Projects that fit the bill are those that relieve congestion, improve the efficiency of freight logistics, save lives (think about the cost of crashes on society), etc."

These thoughts are absolutely correct, and these goals are met in spades by bicycle and pedestrian transportaion enhancements. Thank you Secretary LaHood for your support.

[Energy Efficiency]

Great post. Keep up the commitment for bikes.

[Asheville Photographer - Blue Bend Photography]

This is AWESOME! I have been a commuter for years in my town and am constantly fighting for more bike lanes and cyclists' rights. Keep it up!