Citation

Buehler R, Hamre A, Sonenklar D, Goger P. World Transp. Policy Pract. 2012; 18(2): 6-29.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Eco-Logica)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

For the last 20 years, cycling levels have been increasing in U.S. cities. However, growth in cycling varies widely within metropolitan areas. This article documents and compares cycling policies and trends in the Washington, DC area. The goal is to gain a better understanding of variability and determinants of cycling across jurisdictions in one metropolitan region. Data originate from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government (MWCOG) Household Travel Survey, the U.S. Census Bureau, and information obtained directly from local bicycling experts. During the last 20 years cycling levels and cyclist safety have been increasing in all jurisdictions of the Washington region. Bicycle planning in the region has its roots in the 1970s, experienced a hiatus in the 1980s, and has witnessed a 'renaissance' since the 1990s. In the 1970s and 1980s, local jurisdictions focused their bicycle policies on the provision of off-street paths--often shared with pedestrians. Since the late 1990s, all jurisdictions have greatly expanded their on-street bicycle lanes and implemented other innovative programs. Washington, DC, Alexandria City, and Arlington County have implemented more bike-friendly policies and have been at the forefront of experimenting with innovative measures. In spite of the progress, many challenges for cycling remain. Area cyclists are still predominantly male, between 25 and 40 years old, white, and from higher income groups. Cycling appears to be spatially concentrated in neighborhoods of the urban core jurisdictions. Moreover, the network of bicycle paths and lanes still remains fragmented, often requiring cyclists to ride in roads with heavy car traffic.