Biking can be a formidable economic development tool, argues James A. Bacon, who examines several ways in which investment in bicycle infrastructure can create wealth and jobs.
"It is commonly said among cycling enthusiasts that if you build the biking amenities, the cyclists will come," notes Bacon. "The challenge is persuading government, business and civic decision makers to put money into bicycle amenities at a time when resources are scarce and public needs are many."
In many communities, the strongest argument that can be made for directing policy and investment to an issue is to point out the benefits in job and wealth creation. So for those interested in "more bike lanes, parking spaces for bikes, bike-friendly traffic laws and the like," says Bacon, "make the link to economic development."
He examines three ways in which bicycle amenities can create value in the vicinity of Richmond, Virginia:
- Cycling stimulates tourism
- Cycling trails and property values
- Cycling, place making and livability
Read the full story: Bicycles and Economic Development
A 3D concrete printer may solve Virginia’s housing crisis
The printer is able to build concrete walls much faster than humans, and can do so directly at job sites.
Richmond's new 'stadium district' will include hundreds of homes, offices, jobs
The city is planning for a neighborhood revival in the area around a new baseball stadium.
Phantom Tollbooths: Caltrans to Remove Bay Area Bridge Toll Booths Defunct Since 2020
The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge will be the first in the Bay Area to eliminate toll booths entirely in favor of open-road tolling using sensors.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Eastern Nebraska is running out of electricity
Data centers and electrification are straining eastern Nebraska’s grid, throttling economic development.
Study reveals best places in the U.S. for cycling, walking
New research from Streetlight Data examines bicycle and pedestrian miles per capita in the 100 largest U.S. cities by population.
DSA members accuse Mamdani of 'abandoning values' over housing redevelopment
New York City's mayor plans to replace about 2,000 units of public housing with private, mixed-income housing.
All sides of BRT debate unhappy with CDOT’s most recent move
The Colorado Department of Transportation is no longer considering center-running bus lanes for Colorado Boulevard.
Massachusetts bogs generate both power, and cranberries
Putting solar panels above farmland is one way Massachusetts is advancing toward its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello