It pays to ride

Perhaps it shouldn’t come as a surprise that riding a bike—versus driving a car—can benefit your bank account as well as your body. But that financial incentive translates beyond individual riders to encompass families, employers and entire communities as well. Take, for instance, the boost cycling gives to the economy in northwest Arkansas—according to three studies conducted by the Walton Family Foundation, which concluded that the activity provided $137 million to the region in 2017. “While the energy generated by trails and paved paths is palpable … these findings validate cycling as a regional economic engine that supports local businesses, attracts tourists and builds healthier communities,” spokesman Tom Walton said in a press release. Here are some more financial advantages cycling provides, as compiled by People for Bikes.

• In 2014, Americans were stuck in traffic for 6.9 billion hours, representing 3.1 billion gallons of wasted fuel, which translates to roughly $160 billion.

• Proximity to bicycle infrastructure such as protected bike lanes and bike boulevards increases property values. A case in point: The Indianapolis Cultural Trail cost $62.5 million to build, but translated to a $1.01 billion increase in adjacent property values.

• Mountain bike tourism in just two national forests in North Carolina generates $30.2 million annually.

Source: peopleforbikes.org