A 2008 Resolution passed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors makes it clear that this distinguished group of leaders recognizes the national and local importance of bicycling. The resolution states that all federal transportation, environment, and health policies need to include the bicycle as a means to reducing highway congestion, slowing climate change, and decreasing the number of U.S. citizens who suffer from chronic disease and obesity.
While this resolution represents a tremendous first step, it will be a challenge to take the next one and the one after that. Many in the U.S. believe that the motor vehicle is the primary means of transportation, that bicycles are toys, and that bicycle riding on the highways is too dangerous. With the exception of a few cities, most notably Portland, Oregon, bicycles are infrequently seen on the highway.
But things are changing, perhaps urged by rising fuel prices, because bicycling is beneficial and provides a solution to many pressing national issues.
Population and Traffic Congestion
The U.S. population, like the world population, is increasing. About 50 years ago, the interstate highway system and a rising standard of living meant that baby boomers were able to buy more cars and drive them faster and more often. The pure numbers are startling: the net population gain is one person every 10 seconds, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Can we all drive all of the time? If more people bicycled the pressure would be reduced.
Federal Highway Administration data reveals that there are more drivers and more cars. In fact, the number of miles driven has grown three times faster than the population. In urban areas, 40 percent of all trips are two miles or less, a distance that is more economically walked or bicycled. In some areas and at rush hour times of day, walking or bicycling is faster due to traffic congestion!
Carbon Emissions
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that one-third of greenhouse gas emissions come from the transportation sector. While they promote driving less and using more fuel efficient vehicles, this federal agency has not vigorously promoted the use of bicycles. The White House Council on Environmental Quality statement on addressing global climate change does not mention the bicycle.
The Mayors point out in the resolution that bicycle commuting saves these commuters money and time spent in traffic jams. It also saves 128 pounds of carbon emissions and 145 gallons of gasoline annually on average for the bicycle commuter.
Health
The Center for Disease Control has issued an important National Physical Activity Initiative that points to the substantial benefits to the nation’s health and well-being of regular exercise. Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other illnesses are sapping a great deal of money and the health care industry is in near crisis due to the lack of resources to treat the large number of people with chronic conditions.
Obesity is at epidemic levels, although recent surveys show the increase in incidence of obesity is leveling off. Still, with numbers like 65 percent of adults and 13 percent of children described as obese, the problem is a national embarrassment. In this wealthy country, many cannot eat a healthy diet. Fast food restaurants are more available to some neighbors than are grocery stores that offer more nutritious fruits and vegetables.
Mayors See Bicycling as Solution
Mayors need help from the federal government in the form of funding for incentives and infrastructure. By passing this resolution, they have called out to the federal government to direct polices that will improve the safety of bicycling. The mayors' resolution also turns the mirror on themselves and encourages the peers to use the League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly Community program as a means to measure progress and move toward the goal of getting more people out of cars and on bicycles. Bicycling provides a fun and practical means to deal with population pressure on the transportation system, environmental decline, and the healthcare crisis.
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