Cycling is good for cities
Installing things like protected bike lanes makes economic and environmental sense: it means more people will choose to go by bike, which has benefits for everyone.
Benefits to retail
It’s more convenient for people to shop locally when they can bike and quickly park outside – 60% of San Francisco merchants saw more residents shopping locally; 40% of merchants saw increased sales.1
Greater home value
US studies have shown that homes closer to bike paths are more valuable, USD $510 for every quarter mile closer – that’s NZD $690 for every 400 meters.1
Fewer injuries for all
Protected bike lanes in New York have been found to reduce injury risk for all road users by 40%.1
Increased employment opportunities
In the US, they found cycle projects created 46% more employment opportunities compared with road-only projects.2
$1 spent equals $20 saved
Auckland research shows that for every $1 spent on cycle improvements, more than $20 is saved due to fewer road traffic injuries, reduced emissions, the health benefits of increased exercise, and savings on fuel.2
Easy exercise
Improving bike lanes and safety for pedestrians makes active travel to and from work more attractive, making it easy to get the Ministry of Health’s recommended 30 minutes of exercise every day.3
The statistics for these facts have been taken from the following sources:
- Explain Your Lane
- Benefits of Investing in Cycling
- Ministry of Health
The statistic about Wellington's support for cycling is from our Cycling Demand Analysis.