Bicycling: A Review, A Pilot Study and Planning Implications

Bicycling is a growing activity. It provides both a form of exercise and a means of transportation. Recent estimates indicate there are over 85 million bicycle users in the United States.' Renewed interest in bicycling has occurred in the last ten years.' Some of the major reasons for the growth in bicycling include the revival of social acceptability of adult bicycling, the emphasis on the need for exercise, the greater availability of leisure time, the provision of bike ways and a response to the "energy crisis". The growth of bicycling, however, has caused some crucial concerns. Two of the more important concerns are safety and security. From 1961-1971, the number of deaths involving bicyclists rose seventy percent, wh ile motor veh icle deaths increased forty-four percent.3 In these same years, the largest increase in deaths and casualties occurred among the 2544 age group. Even though bicycle ways are being developed, the concern still persists.-A second major concern is security. Last year, the American Automobile Association estimated over a half million bicycles were stolen in the United States.s These thefts accounted for seventeen percent of all the larcenies, or three times the rate of any other larceny committed in the United States.