Benchmarking progress of bicycling and walking across the U.S

Introduction: The 2014 Benchmarking Report is the fourth biennially published report on bicycling and walking in the U.S. The report documents trends in bicycling and walking levels, health and safety metrics, policy development, funding priorities, and educational and encouragement activities.

Methods: The Benchmarking Project collects and analyzes data from all 50 states and the 50 most populous U.S. cities. State and city surveys gather funding levels, staffing capacity, infrastructure build-out, policy adoption, educational programming, and event coordination. Additionally, project researchers compile data from 21 national sources, including the American Community Survey, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Fatality Analysis Reporting System, and Federal Highway Administration’s Fiscal Management Information System. A team of professional and academic advisors provides guidance throughout the data collection, analyses, and report drafting.

Results: 11.5% of all trips in the U.S. are on bicycle or foot. 14.9% of all traffic fatalities are bicyclists and pedestrians. Only 2.1% of federal transportation dollars are spent on bicycling and walking infrastructure and programs. Per capita spending also continues to increase, yet is still low compared to overall transportation spending. Bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly policy adoption and bicycling infrastructure build-out, including bike share systems, continue to increase in cities of all sizes.

Conclusion: The Benchmarking Report presents national data on bicycling and walking that health professionals and advocates use to strengthen their efforts. The project promotes data collection and availability, illustrates key trends, highlights progress being made, and strengthens the case for a higher priority on funding for bicycling and walking initiatives.