U.S. Bicycling Participation Benchmarking Study Report

May 7, 2015

The US. Bicycling Participation Benchmarking Study Report, commissioned by PeopleforBikes and conducted by the Breakaway Research Group is a bike participation research unlike others--it standardizes how participation is bicycling of any kind, by any type of rider. Previous research was limited to just recreational riding or transportation riding. Here are some of the results from this 64-page report:

  • 32% or 95.5 million Americans age 3 and older rode a bicycle for recreation in the past year, and of those who rode for recreation
  • 15% or 45.1 million Americans ages 3 and older rode a bike for transportation in the past year
  • Traveling to and from social events and running errands are the most common types of transportation trips 

This study helps us understand more about bicycle riding for all purposes, making it easier to develop future bike and pedestrian plans. Bicycling is perceived as a convenient way to travel and many adults say they would like to ride more often. However, improved infrastructure is a key component of safety- only 31% are satisfied with the bike lanes, paths and trails available to them. Resources: