Is it difficult to imagine that there was a time when one could not simply speed off in a fuel-powered vehicle? No, we’re not going as far back as the bygone days of horse carriages. However, it was a time when bicycles had just entered the scene.
The first-ever claim of these two-wheelers was made between 1817 and 1819. Since then, bikes have come a long way in terms of efficiency and speed. Statista found that roughly 42.24 million people participated in paved surface biking across the US in 2023.
This number is good but not so because it’s a decrease of 1.3 million compared to the previous year. Since accidents continue to rise and traffic congestion persists, more bicycles must enter the roads. In this article, we will present a case for bikeable cities, discussing the benefits of cycling infrastructure.
Rising Number of Road Accidents
Studies have found that road accidents across the US are still above pre-pandemic levels. Over 40,000 people died in a road crash in 2023. This does not even include the number of accidents or the injured.
Does the US have a major problem on its hands? Yes, and the rising number of registered vehicles is undoubtedly contributing to the issue. In 2022, over 283 million automobiles moved across US interstates, including personal and commercial vehicles.
In 2023, at least 87% of American households agreed on having access to a car. Simply increasing the number of vehicles in a household only raises convenience but the roads suffer. City authorities have been struggling to tackle traffic congestion and tighten road safety measures.
Accidents come at a great cost. Let’s take the example of St. Louis, which is considered to be one of the most dangerous US cities from a road safety perspective. Even large commercial trucks are commonplace on its roads.
This means accidents also take place frequently. The aftermath of these accidents can be gruesome, especially when multiple vehicles are involved. TorHoerman Law states that victims may sustain injuries like paraplegia, broken bones, third-degree burns, and more.
Once they have recovered, the liable party must be held responsible and demanded fair compensation. This process is seldom easy as insurance companies are never willing to offer a fair settlement. Then, St. Louis personal injury lawyers will be required for case representation and negotiation.
Depending on the complexity, the case may take weeks or months to settle. Auto accidents ruin lives and lead to unnecessary hassles. If bikeable communities can reduce such instances, then they must be encouraged.
Why Investing in Cycling Infrastructure is a Must
The good news is that America is rapidly becoming a bike-friendly country. In all 50 states, over 500 towns and cities have solid cycling infrastructure. Let’s look at compelling reasons why such a transformation is a good idea.
Helps Create Healthier Communities
Biking must top their list if people are looking for fun ways to stay fit and healthy. Our current lifestyles are largely sedentary, offering little to no scope for necessary bodily movement and exercise. It is certainly recommended that going to the gym or exercising be a regular part of one’s daily life.
However, all of this can be easily achieved when a city’s citizens are encouraged to commute via bike. We do understand that the distance one can cover on a bike is limited, but it will largely induce better health. Healthline talks about the benefits of cycling frequently.
Some of these include weight loss, enhanced muscle strength, lower cholesterol levels, and better mental health. Bikeable cities become hangout spots where residents look forward to waking up each morning with a positive start (read bike rides).
Being a low-impact form of exercise, bicycling can become a good way of commuting to work, depending on the distance. Naturally, companies may be able to find happier and more productive employees.
Reduces Congestion and Related Issues
The data for this one is shocking, to say the least. It was discovered that American drivers lost an alarming 42 hours in traffic congestion in 2023. That is nearly equivalent to an entire workweek.
What’s even worse is the fact that the cost of congestion increased by 15% when compared to 2022. Cities are desperately looking for effective methods to tackle the growing congestion problem. Investing in cycling infrastructure may be the answer.
Firstly, bicycles take up a lot less space on the road as opposed to cars. They become a valid substitution for larger vehicles in the case of short, one-person trips. Even if someone must take public transport in the middle of their commute, a bicycle can offer crucial last-mile connectivity.
All of this is to emphasize that cycling infrastructure would encourage more people to ride bicycles or public transport. This will take a significant number of larger vehicles off the roads. As a result, traffic issues and accidents, gridlocks, or delays that follow can be reduced.
Improves Air Quality
Air pollution levels across the US may not be the same but much of it is unfavorable to date. In other words, the air quality is largely not as it should be. For instance – studies have found that particulate matter in the air is predominant among cities like Columbus, Lancaster, Chicago, Detroit, and Minneapolis.
Others such as Colorado, Reno, and Albuquerque have better air quality. Comparing the two sides still leaves us with the glaring issue that despite progress, US air quality has deteriorated over time. A huge contribution of this is made by vehicles running on fuel.
Though electric cars are also expected to tackle this problem, bicycles are much more economical for shorter trips. Cities are focusing on multi-modal mobility in hopes of making the air cleaner and more breathable.
Since we are discussing the subject of bikeability, let’s include an additional benefit – community engagement. When cities become increasingly bike-friendly, their citizens have greater opportunities to interact and connect. The bikeways and paths offer people the chance to greet whilst riding to and fro.
Moreover, some cities frequently host events for group riding or bike races. These become another avenue to draw people closer to the community. In a nutshell, there are several valid reasons for every US city’s citizens to advocate for cycling infrastructure.
