New Report: Biking to Work Increased 60% over the Past Decade

If you bike to work, you’re in good company. Thanks in part to bike share programs, health initiatives, more bike lanes, and environmentally-conscious workers, commuting by bike has increased by an impressive 60% in the past 10 years.

The Census Bureau documented this trend in a recent report titled “Modes Less Traveled—Bicycling and Walking to Work in the United States: 2008-2012”. They found that while bikers account for fewer than 1% of all commuters nationwide, some towns and cities have more than doubled their rate of bike commuters in the past few years. Cities of note include Portland, OR, where 6.1% of commuters bike to work, Boulder ,CO with 10.5%, and Davis, CA with 18.6%.

Biking as a means of transportation to and from work has grown in popularity as both employers and employees recognize its health and environmental benefits. Some employers now offer biking incentive programs that include things like gift certificates, cash, showers, free bike maintenance, or a guaranteed ride home in the event of bad weather or illness.

Bicycling organizations have also been working to incentivize bike commuting by making it easier and safer. Groups like Alliance for Biking and Walking have advocated for (and succeeded in) getting towns and cities around the country to add more bike lanes and trails so cyclists don’t have to spend as much time on busy roads during rush hour.

As in the rest of the country, biking has been growing in popularity around New Jersey. If you’re already an experienced or even a casual rider, now is a good time to think about commuting to work by bike. Talk to your employer about secure bike parking, locker rooms, and other potential incentives for riding your bike to work—if your workplace doesn’t already have a bike program, you may be able to jumpstart one yourself.

Before you start biking to work, don’t forget to stop by Hart’s Cyclery for a tune-up and any accessories or parts you may need. We’re proud supporters of bike commuters in our community. 

Since 1988, Ross Hart has owned and operated Hart’s Cyclery in Pennington, NJ. The bike store sells and services the finest brands in the world, including Giant and Cannondale. We provide personalized customer service, taking the time to understand your needs, lifestyle, and athletic style. The focus is ensuring you discover the right bike and the right fit – for the best cycling experience possible.

The next time you visit, check out our newest addition: the GURU Dynamic Fit. The computerized robotic assisted system has revolutionized road bike fitting, and we’re the only shop in the area that offers the service.