Tracking the Rise of Biking in the U.S.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, most U.S. cities saw a sharp rise in the number of trips taken by bike, but a recent plateau indicates a need for better infrastructure to promote continued growth.

1 minute read

September 27, 2023, 8:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Man riding bicycle wearing black helmet on New York City street.

Sam Edwards/KOTO / Adobe Stock

New data shows a spike in U.S. bike trips since 2019, writes Laura Bliss in Bloomberg CityLab. New York City saw the sharpest growth—97 percent—as subway riders switched to a more socially distanced mode of travel. Across the country, San Diego saw a 71 percent increase in bike trips. Even famously car-centric Los Angeles saw a 50 percent growth.

Surprisingly, Portland, Oregon saw a 7 percent decrease in bike trips, but still ranks above most American cities for bike trips per capita. And in 2022, bike trips around the country leveled out. According to the report, “the flat line in 2022 is a warning that continued investment in safety-focused active transportation infrastructure … will be critical to re-animating growth.”

Friday, September 22, 2023 in Bloomberg CityLab

Aerial view of Eugene, Oregon at dusk with mountains in background.

Eugene Ends Parking Minimums

In a move that complies with a state law aimed at reducing transportation emissions, Eugene amended its parking rules to eliminate minimum requirements and set maximum parking lot sizes.

December 3, 2023 - NBC 16

Green Paris Texas city limit sign with population.

How Paris, Texas Became a ‘Unicorn’ for Rural Transit

A robust coalition of advocates in the town of 25,000 brought together the funding and resources to launch a popular bus service that some residents see as a mobility lifeline—and a social club.

November 30, 2023 - Texas Monthly

Diagram of visibility at urban intersection.

How ‘Daylighting’ Intersections Can Save Lives

Eliminating visual obstructions can make intersections safer for all users.

November 27, 2023 - Strong Towns

View of wetlands with lilypads at dusk.

States Scramble in Wake of Clean Water Act Ruling

The removal of federal oversight of wetlands has left millions of acres unregulated and erected major hurdles for lawmakers seeking to protect them.

December 5 - Pew Stateline

Rendering of white, yellow, and purple Brightline West high-speed rail train speeding along highway median with blurred cars in foreground.

Brightline West Awarded $3 Billion in Federal Funding

The high-speed rail line will cut travel time between Southern California and Las Vegas roughly in half.

December 5 - Fox 5

Rapid bus at station at night in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

OKC Celebrates New Rapid Bus Line With Free Rides

The agency wants to showcase the benefits of a recently opened BRT line connecting the northwest part of the city to downtown.

December 5 - The Oklahoman

Senior Planner

City of Kissimmee - Development Services

Planner II

City of Kissimmee - Development Services

Senior Travel Demand Modeler

Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

"Rethinking Commuter Rail" podcast & Intercity Bus E-News

Chaddick Institute at DePaul University

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.