Summer reading: Economic benefits of bicycling

Summer bike traffic-10-10

An economic engine.
(Photo © J. Maus)

When you’re trying to save the world, who has time for romance novels and gossip magazines? If you’ve got some spare time over the long weekend or on your summer vacation, consider brushing up on the economic impacts of bicycling.

At Metro’s Quarterly Trails Forum earlier this week, Alta Planning and Design CEO Mia Birk made a presentation about the economic impact of trails.

After the meeting, Metro staff circulated a five-page handout titled, Economic Benefits of Bicycling Resources. The list was compiled by Alta (or at least it was on their letterhead).

With all the talk about the economy and jobs these days, I figured many of you would like to have this information at hand. With that in mind, I’ve shared a partial list of these important studies below. You can download the original PDF here.
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(The list is broken down by subject)

Property Value and Business Impacts

Jobs and Industry

Health

Miscellaneous

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Founder of BikePortland (in 2005). Father of three. North Portlander. Basketball lover. Car owner and driver. If you have questions or feedback about this site or my work, feel free to contact me at @jonathan_maus on Twitter, via email at maus.jonathan@gmail.com, or phone/text at 503-706-8804. Also, if you read and appreciate this site, please become a supporter.

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Jessica Roberts
Jessica Roberts
12 years ago

I can confirm that Alta compiled the list, but we would be very happy to hear of any studies that should be added! Email me at jessicaroberts@altaplanning.com if you have any additions.

Simon Geller
12 years ago

Let’s not forget Meschik: http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=8&ved=0CFMQFjAH&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedoc.difu.de%2Fedoc.php%3Fid%3D96WY7M4K&rct=j&q=velo-city%202011%20meschik&ei=OItVTpGfNIzbsgb12_CCDg&usg=AFQjCNH6YnqkxhxabE6JwvzN9gB1c8aAJA&sig2=ow0rGjOSa1aIVLmQ77U_sQ&cad=rja

Sorry about long link, if it doesn’t work google velo-city 2011 meschik and you’ll find it. There have been a lot of papers about the economic benefits of cycling in the velo-city series over the years; it seems this topic is only now coming to the fore.