Benchmarking progress of bicycling and walking across the U.S

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

Methods: The Report collects and analyzes data from all 50 states and the 50 most populous U.S. cities. Surveys gather funding levels, staffing capacity, infrastructure build-out, policy adoption, educational programming, and event coordination. We 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. An advisory committee guide the development of report content. A data review committee of professional and academic researchers provide guidance throughout data collection and analysis processes.

Results: The next release of the report is Spring 2016. Updated results will be uncovered throughout 2015 and a sneak peak will be shared. New components of the report include “Find Your Angle” to help bridge the divide among different disciplines and stakeholders working in physical activity. The report highlights the growth of bicycling and walking across the U.S. and underscore the discrepancy between bicycling and walking levels, fatality rates, and low federal funding priority.

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