The Bicycle as Economic Lifeline

For many low-income households, bikes offer an affordable way to access more destinations and economic opportunities.

2 minute read

February 6, 2023, 6:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


In a highly personal piece in The Philadelphia Inquirer, high school senior Sarahi Franco-Morales describes how bicycles have been a lifeline for their family, and even contributed to their acceptance into the University of Pennsylvania. “The bicycle made traveling and connecting with people all over Philadelphia accessible,” Franco-Morales writes. “That’s how I found myself on Penn’s campus during a tour last October, sitting next to Ben on the Bench, daring to dream about my future.”

For Franco-Morales and her parents, biking is a crucial transportation mode. “We ride year-round, even in the 100-degree summer heat, the sweat stinging our eyes. We ride our bikes in the rain and snow, dodging the spray of gray slush from passing cars and buses. Each time, we hope we come back alive, not another number in the growing toll of bike riders killed on our city streets.” Growing up with bikes at the center of their life, Franco-Morales learned more about the city. “Biking opened my eyes to the disparities across Philadelphia. It pushed me to strive for a future where owning a car was economically viable for us.”

This story highlights the vital importance of safe and widespread bike infrastructure, reminding the reader that bike riding isn’t just for kids or recreation. For many of the nation’s lowest-income workers, bicycles provide an essential and affordable mode of travel.

Thursday, February 2, 2023 in The Philadelphia Inquirer

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

View of Austin, Texas skyline with river in foreground during morning golden hour.

The Paradox of American Housing

How the tension between housing as an asset and as an essential good keeps the supply inadequate and costs high.

March 26, 2024 - The Atlantic

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Aerial view of Anchorage, Alaska downtown with mountains in background at golden hour.

Anchorage Leaders Debate Zoning Reform Plan

Last year, the city produced the fewest new housing units in a decade.

March 28 - Anchorage Daily News

Young man in wheelchair crossing zebra crosswalk.

How to Protect Pedestrians With Disabilities

Public agencies don’t track traffic deaths and injuries involving disabled people, leaving a gap in data to guide safety interventions.

March 28 - Governing

Aerial view of mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado in the winter with snow at dusk.

Colorado Town Fills Workforce Housing Need With ‘Dorm-Style’ Housing

Median rent in Steamboat Springs is $4,000 per month.

March 28 - CBS News

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.