USA TODAY: ..During the years 2008-12, about 786,000 Americans commuted by bicycle, up from about 488,000 in 2000, the Census says. That jump is the largest percentage increase of all commuting modes tracked by the 2000 Census and the 2008-2012 American Community Survey.
Bicyclists still account for fewer than 1% of all commuters. However, some large cities more than doubled their rate of bike commuters. Portland, Ore., had the highest bicycle commuting rate at 6.1%, up from 1.8% in 2000; Minneapolis saw its bicycle commuting rate jump from 1.9% to 4.1%.
“In recent years, many communities have taken steps to support more transportation options, such as bicycling and walking,” said Brian McKenzie, a Census Bureau sociologist and author of the report. “For example, many cities have invested in bike share programs, bike lanes and more pedestrian-friendly streets.” … (more)
EDITOR: With its gentle terrain and tourist attractions, Lancaster City and surroundings are ideal for biking commuters and visitors. So where are the bike lanes down our broad streets? Where are the bike share stands downtown and at the Amtrak Station?
It appears that our planners and elected officials are either aout of touch, lack imagination, or don’t want to take on initiatives unless there is a feeding trough for special interests.
