Benchmarking progress of bicycling and walking across the u.s

Introduction: Share benchmarking report results and trends in local efforts to improve biking and walking across the U.S., including policy development, funding priorities, and educational and encouragement activities.

Methods: The report is an on-going project with nonprofits and government agencies working together to collect and analyze data on bicycling and walking in all 50 states and the 50 most populous U.S. cities. State and city surveys gather local biking and walking data, such as mode share counts, funding and spending levels, staffing capacity, infrastructure, existing policies, educational programming, and events. Additionally, project researchers compile data from 18 national data sources, including the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Fatality Analysis Reporting System, and American Community Survey. A group of professional and academic advisors provides guidance to the research team throughout the data collection and report drafting.

Results: The next release of the report is scheduled for January 2014, so the most recent results will be uncovered throughout 2013 and a sneak peak will be shared. Previous biennial reports highlight the growth of biking and walking across the U.S. and underscore the discrepancy between biking and walking levels, fatality rates, and low federal funding priority.

Conclusion: This report makes national data on biking and walking available to health professionals and advocates to use to strengthen their efforts. The project promotes data collection and availability, illustrates key trends, highlights the progress being made, and strengthens the case for a higher priority on funding for biking and walking initiatives.