Biking Craze: Revolution or Fad?

In the 1960s and 70s, America witnessed a bike boom that sounds very similar to today's. Although it petered out, Tom Payne argues why contemporary circumstances have altered the long-term viability of a bicycling revolution.

1 minute read

March 11, 2013, 9:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


As cities across the world seek to ease congestion and attract young professionals through investment in bicycle infrastructure, bike use is surging. "Portland hipsters are taking to the streets on fixies, east Londoners are dusting off vintage Raleighs and Sydney corporates are swapping golf clubs for lycra… As a result, the growth in cycling numbers has been immense in many cities worldwide," says Payne.

But unlike America's ‘bike boom’ of the late 60s and early 70s, which saw bike sales increase from 2.5 to 15 million between 1963-73, Payne thinks the current period of growth is sustainable. "We’re aware that we can no longer keep producing without recycling, we can no longer all own large homes, and we can no longer all drive to work – not only do our cars not all fit in our cities, but we are also running out of the very resource that drives them," he notes.

"The car will not simply disappear and bicycles will not suddenly take over our streets. But as we look for alternative solutions to our current transport woes, cycling is suddenly looking like a pretty smart option. Rather than just a fad, I’d argue that today’s boom will be sticking about for a while. Just like the revolution of a wheel, we are perhaps, returning to where it all began."

Tuesday, March 5, 2013 in Urban Times

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

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

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.

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Wide suburban road with landscaped median and light pole banners advertising local amphitheater.

End Human Sacrifices to the Demanding Gods of Automobile Dependency and Sprawl

The U.S. has much higher traffic fatality rates than peer countries due to automobile dependency and sprawl. Better planning can reduce these human sacrifices.

April 29, 2025 - Todd Litman

Close-up of pug dog sitting on woman's lap on city bus.

Seattle Transit Asked to Clarify Pet Policy

A major dog park near a new light rail stop is prompting calls to update and clarify rules for bringing pets on Seattle-area transit systems.

6 hours ago - The Urbanist

Modular home being lifted with crane.

Oregon Bill Would End Bans on Manufactured Housing

The bill would prevent new developments from prohibiting mobile homes and modular housing.

7 hours ago - Oregon Capital Chronicle

Two people on Nashville BCycle bike share wearing helmets loking out over railing at downtown skyline.

Nashville Doesn’t Renew Bike Share Contract, Citing Lost Federal Funding

The city’s bike share system, operated by BCycle, could stop operating if the city doesn’t find a new source of funding.

May 9 - WKRN

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.

Comprehensive Bikeway Design Workshop

Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University

Early Bird Deadline – save on your tuition fee!🚨

Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)