Missouri Bicycle News

A majority of Americans want to bicycle more and are prepared to invest tax dollars in better places to bike, according to two new national polls released during National Bike Month. In a poll conducted last month by the firm Belden Russonello and Stewart (BRS), 53 percent of those polled supported increased federal spending on bicycle facilities, even if it means less gas taxes go to construction of new roads. Fifty-two percent said they would like to ride a bike more often.

A survey conducted by the Gallup Organization and just released by federal transportation agencies found that the changes Americans believe would most improve bicycling are the installation of more facilities for bicycling, including bike lanes, new paths, and better lighting and signals. 'Taken together, these results show Americans want to bike, and they want their roads to be bicycle friendly,' said Elissa Margolin, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists. 'As we celebrate National Bike Month, it is heartening to confirm that so many Americans support investments to improve bicycling in their communities.'

Fifty percent of respondents to the BRS poll supported requiring roads to include bicycle lanes or paths, even if it means less space for cars and trucks. Currently few states routinely provide for bicycle travel when building roads, and less than one percent of federal transportation funds are used to build either bicycling or walking facilities. Almost half of the respondents to the Gallup poll said they are very or somewhat dissatisfied with how their communities are designed for bicycling.

For more information, see the League of American Bicyclist's press release. permanent link to article: "Polls: Americans want better biking, walking facilities"
posted by Brent Hugh at 5/09/2003 01:16:55 PM |comment on this article