Research
Cities are growing rapidly, with 70% of the world population expected to live in urban centers by the year 2050. The bicycle represents an increasingly attractive tool to transport significant numbers of people in an effective, healthy way. Our research shows the many ways that bicycling can increase health, equitable transportation, reduce pollution, and offer a practical resource for transportation. Supportive evidence of its benefit on mental health and well-being, socioeconomic impact, and environmental impact are undeniable, but bicycling infrastructure must be taken into account in a city's master plan in order to build effective transportation networks.
Program
Our partnership with 8 80 Cities along with the input of bicycling advocates, professionals, and champions in the field across a variety of communities has resulted in Shift into Gear®: A Bicycling Advocacy Resource. This comprehensive guidebook reviews the overwhelming positive research showing the benefits of bicycle friendly communities and their effect on building clean, equitable, healthy transportation options. From making the case to planning and design, to promotion and policy, the guidebook can help communities support, plan, and execute meaningful cycling infrastructure. Case Studies are included to share stories of success.
Case Studies included in this program:
- Pittsburgh's Bike Parking Regulations Impact Private Development
- DIY Bike Sharing in Rural Ontario
- Adaptive Cycling
- Open Streets: Transforming Neighborhoods into Play Spaces
- Catalyzing Trail Development through Grant Funding
- Rural Virginia Community Rediscovers the Joy of Bike Riding
- Building the World's Largest Pop-Up Bike Network
- Managing and Growing a Commuter Program
- Infrastructure Investment Promotes Impressive Growth in Participation and Ridership
- Linking Communities through the Razorback Regional Greenway
- Parklets Creating Recreation Spaces in the Midst of Urban Density
- Silver Spokes for Senior Folks
- Connecting People and Improving Quality of Life through the Wolf River Greenway
- Powering Up for Health and Physical Activity with Bikes at Will Rogers Middle School
- Public-Private Partnerships Success in Chattanooga
The wonderful "bonus" of having many more people riding bicycles to their places of destination is that we'll end up with vibrant cities and healthier communities where people will live happier, regardless of their age, gender, socioeconomic, or ethnic background.
- Gil Penalosa, MBA, PhDhc CSP
Founder 8 80 Cities
