Comments on: A Substantial Increase in U.S. Bicycle Commuters

By: r4i

r4i — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:47:18 +0000

It has to be because of increasing pollution out of fuel from all vehicles. Moreover it saves money where we need to spend for fuel, maintenance and so on.

By: Diane

Diane — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:12:52 +0000

This finding goes along with what I have seen in the last few years. There has been an explosion in people on bikes and those considering riding. Everytime I am out, I see more and more fellow cyclists. Even here in a suburban west coast city.

My belief is that this is due to the combination of environmental awareness, recession and high fuel. It does seem that as the economy is picking up around here, that more people are turning to two wheels instead of four. I hope this trend continues.

By: Louis

Louis — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:58:26 +0000

For some reason, many people think it’s a hot idea to bike with headphones on or talking on a cell. When you run that red light and miss that oncoming car and end up in the ER or dead, because you were gossiping or had your favorite song blaring, I unfortunately may not be able to help you.

It won’t be because I don’t have a heart, but because my cell is generally turned off when I bike commute for safety reasons and it make take a moment or two to turn on, so I can’t immediately call 911.

By: Mike Myers

Mike Myers — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:28:24 +0000

I’ve seen more “Bike Ninjas” lately. Scary, especially since they ride the wrong way at night, without lights, ON SHOULDERLESS ROADS. It’s almost unbeliveable to me. I call the police on them, every time. If they get hit and killed, then the newspaper reports “cyclist killed” and the belief that cycling is dangerous is perpetuated.

GR knows where I live. People who bike commute by choice and not necessity are rare. There is a never ending supply of DUI cyclists, though. No kids. A few athlete types.

By: yoshiyahu

yoshiyahu — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:38:01 +0000

I recently started cycling each day, but not to work — I use a bicycle to get from home to the Long Beach Bikestation, and then ride the Blue Line to downtown LA. MANY folks who ride the Blue Line have bikes that they use to get to and from the train. I wonder whether folks like us are counted in these numbers? I think bikes in commuting have far more potential when combined with bus and rail than when used as the sole method of getting to/from work. I think focusing solely on bicycle-as-primary-mode misses the areas where we can make the most inroads in reducing car use.

By: Scott

Scott — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:58:06 +0000

I have seen a great increase in bike commuters. However, it’s mainly due to moving to Davis, CA.

As far as people being forced to bike, I think it does matter. Every Fall thousands of freshmen start biking only to give it up either when it starts raining or just a few years later when they graduate and move away.

By: trisha

trisha — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:26:20 +0000

Totally anecdotal, but I’ve noticed WAY more commuters this fall than last fall here in Nashville. It’s encouraging, even if it’s still a pretty small number.

By: Ghost Rider

Ghost Rider — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:09:37 +0000

Don’t rub it in, Han!!!

By: Chip Haynes

Chip Haynes — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:45:09 +0000

There’s something I call “Gump Syndrome”; that is, most drivers figure an adult male on a bicycle is either mentally challenged (a la Forrest Gump) or lost his license from drinking and driving. I use that to my advantage: Please don’ t hit the sad old man on the wobbly folding bicycle.

SUCKERS.

By: Han Kroon

Han Kroon — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:58:28 +0000

A message from The Netherlands: You are on the road, but still have a long way to go …..

Compare the 0.55% with roughly 25% over here. Keep on promoting the bike to work …. “Yes, you can!”