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Washington,
D.C. - May 18, 2012 - New data released today
by the League
of American Bicyclists, Sierra
Club,
and National
Council of La Raza (NCLR) highlights the tremendous economic benefits of
bicycling and its importance as a safe transportation choice that should be
available to every U.S. resident.
The
fact sheet release coincides with today’s National
Bike to Work Day,
when millions of U.S. residents will participate in hundreds of events
across the country, showcasing bicycles as a healthy, affordable and
efficient form of transportation.
Among
the new and key data highlighted in the fact sheet:
- Bicyclists
in the U.S. save $4.6 billion per year by riding, instead of driving
- If American
drivers replaced just one four-mile car trip with a bike each week for
the whole year, it would save more than 2 billion gallons of gas.
- From 2001 to
2009, Hispanics, African Americans, and Asian Americans took up biking
at faster rates than other Americans, representing 21 percent of all
bike trips in the U.S. in 2009.
"There
are so many reasons more people are riding, from improving their health to
protecting the environment," said League President Andy Clarke.
"But, especially in tough economic times, bicycling can also be an
economic catalyst, keeping billions of dollars in the pockets of American
families."
"Biking
is an important piece of a 21st century transportation system," said
Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune. "Biking reduces
America's dependence on oil and lets individuals bypass the gas pump,
saving individuals money and protecting our health and environment from
dirty oil pollution."
"Bicycling
is a crucial mode of commuting for many Latinos,"
said Catherine Singley, Senior Policy Analyst at NCLR.
"Federal transportation policy should ensure that biking is a safe and
viable way to connect people to jobs."
Widespread
desire for-and widespread benefits to be gained from-bicycling make it an
important part of a 21st century transportation system. Everyone who
chooses to bicycle should have access to safe infrastructure that lets them
take advantage of the economic benefits of bicycling.
Find
additional information, data and events during National Bike Month at www.bikeleague.org/bikemonth
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About
the League
The League of
American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation,
and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America.
The League represents the interests of America's 57 million bicyclists,
including its 300,000 members and affiliates. Learn
more.
About the Sierra Club
Since 1892, the Sierra Club has been working to protect communities, wild
places, and the planet itself. We are the largest and most influential
grassroots environmental organization in the United States. Learn
more.
About
National Council of La Raza
NCLR
-- the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in
the United States -- works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans.
Learn
more .
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