Report: Bike Commuting Up by 61 Percent Since 2000

While bike commuting remains below one percent as a regular transportation mode in the United States, the popularity of biking got a boost during the pandemic.

2 minute read

May 23, 2022, 7:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Biking

Elena Rostunova / Shutterstock

A report from The Bike Adviser outlines the state of bike commuting in the United States. “More and more Americans nowadays seem to value the exercise that they get from using the two-wheeled transport. From quicker and cheaper way of getting to and from work to more walkable neighborhoods and healthier people, biking is the source of many good things,” the report states.

Key findings include:

  • “From 2000 to 2019, the number of commuters who bike to work increased from 488,000 to 786,000 or an increase of 61%,” although that number peaked at 904,463 in 2014 and has declined since then. “Oregon, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming and Washington ranked in the top 5 of all states with the largest percentage share of bike commuters.”
  • “Of 786,000 people who commute by bike, 71% are men and about 29% are women.”
  • According to the report, “Boasting excellent bike lanes and comprehensive bike safety laws, states like Oregon, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming and Washington have consistently ranked in the top 5 of all states for avid cyclists and exemplary infrastructure, advocacy, education and bike law enforcement.”

Despite its recent renaissance, bicycling remains the primary transportation mode for a small percentage of commuters. But as the report points out, the United States has a massive population. “At 0.6%, that’s a lot more bike commuters on our roads compared to many other countries in the world.” And “As cities around the US are wising up to the benefits of commuting by bike, miles of bike lanes are being added, making the streets safer and cracking down on dangerous car drivers threatening bike commuters.”

Wednesday, May 18, 2022 in The Bike Adviser

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

July 11 - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

July 11 - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

July 11 - Cities Today