View/hide extracted text (may have errors)
Cruz 3 1 INTRODUCTION2 High levels of automobile use in the United States increase air pollution, and greenhouse gas 3 emissions, contribute to high congestion levels, and degrade public health. In response, many 4 states and cities are promoting bicycle use as an alternative to the use of automobiles. Increasing 5 bicycle use can address many current transportation problems, such as traffic congestion and 6 accessibility for low income populations, and it will reduce impacts of the transportation system 7 such as air pollution, energy use, and climate change. For example, California’s SB375 was 8 adopted in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) through reduction in vehicle miles 9 traveled (VMT). One of the ways that cities seek to reduce VMT is by implementing bicycle 10 plans and facilities that increase bicycle usage. Bicycles are ideal for short trips within a 5 mile 11 radius such as local shopping plazas, workplaces, and schools. Bicycle usage is becoming more 12 popular and many cities in the country are advocating for this mode of transportation by 13 promoting its health benefits and psychosocial effects. 14 Bicycle usage reduces traffic congestion, air, water, and noise pollution, crowded parking, 15 and road and highway costs (1). Traffic congestion wastes 3 billion gallons of gas per year in the 16 U.S. and bicycle use reduces 1 pound of CO2 for every 1 mile pedaled (2). Because the U.S. is 17 trying to reduce the GHG emissions from vehicles, bicycling is a great method to accomplish this 18 goal. According to statistics, 49% of the trips are less than 3 miles, 39% are less than 2 miles 19 and 24% are less than 1 mile (2). 20 Bicycling offers health benefits by providing people the chance to be more physically 21 active. According to peopleforbikes.org, 3 hours of bicycling per week reduces the risk of heart 22 diseases and stroke by 50%. Women who cycle 30 minutes or more have a lower risk of breast 23 cancer and adolescents who cycle are 48% less likely to be overweight as adults (2). 24 Furthermore, bicycling offers economic rewards. The usage of a bicycle is less expensive 25 than a car as it saves an average of $8,000 a year that would normally be spent on car usage (gas, 26 maintenance). “On a round-trip commute of 10 miles, bicyclists save around $10 daily” (2). 27 Bicycling can also encourage more community involvement such as organizing events to bring 28 the community together, and enjoy outdoor activities and time spent with family. This not only 29 creates a stronger family bond, but it also provides an opportunity to create a relationship with 30 one's community. 31 In addition, bicycling also reduces negative psychosocial effects. Adults and children 32 suffer the effects of vehicle usage. Traffic congestion causes aggressive behaviors and stress in 33 adults. Bicycling is a way for these behaviors to decrease (1). Traffic accidents cause post-34 traumatic psychological effects, increasing depression, aggressiveness, and fear (1). Children 35 who are not active in physical activities tend to suffer more from obesity, social anxiety, and 36 depression (1). All these benefits make bicycle use an ideal transportation mode. 37 The demand for alternative transportation methods has increased with the recent jump in 38 gasoline prices. In many cities, however, the physical infrastructure does not support safe and 39 convenient bicycle use. When considering locations for bicycle facilities such as bicycle paths or 40 lanes and bicycle parking, a city must consider the existing and future bicycle demand. Barnes 41 and Krizek argue that cities must consider how many people will use a facility, how much the 42 total demand will increase in the facility, and how bicycling will realize public objectives 43 concerning congestion and air quality (3). Also, land use and demographic characteristics are 44 important because they help identify the areas where bicycle facilities are most needed. Such 45 characteristics include population, households, and employment of residents in a community. 46 Although advocacy for bicycle facility planning is growing, some cities fail to recognize 47 the importance of good analytic information to support their plans. For example, some cities' 48 plans call for facilities where there are few attractions or entertainment. Although many people TRB 2012 Annual Meeting Paper revised from original submittal.
