Supporting bike lanes is…

Supporting bike lanes is about investing in a stronger economy with a healthier, faster and more efficient community. Removing bike lanes would waste more time and tax dollars, and create more gridlock.

It's understandable that the installation of new bike lanes has caused frustration for some, especially in a city where car culture has been ingrained for decades. Adjusting to changes in road design can be challenging, particularly when it impacts familiar commuting routes and routines. However, it’s worth considering that spending additional public funds to remove these bike lanes and revert back to car lanes would take time and money and would not be the most efficient solution. Removing them could negate potential long-term benefits of a more balanced transportation network, and the costs of doing so would add up without giving the current investment a fair chance to demonstrate its value. Instead, allowing time for adaptation and assessing the impact of the bike lanes more comprehensively might yield a more informed and financially prudent outcome.

Research supports that the benefits of dedicated bike lanes—such as safety, reduced congestion, economic growth, health improvements, and environmental gains—often require a sustained period to fully materialize. Giving the bike lanes a fair, extended trial allows the city to see these potential positive outcomes.

Some key reasons to for keeping the bike lanes include:

1. Behavioral Change Takes Time: When a city deeply embedded in car culture introduces bike lanes, residents may initially be resistant to change. Studies show that people gradually adapt to new infrastructure like bike lanes, with cycling adoption rates steadily increasing over time as people become more familiar and comfortable with the option. A longer trial period allows time for behavioral shifts and for residents to explore cycling as a viable alternative.

2. Reduction in Traffic Congestion: Research indicates that, in the long run, bike lanes can reduce car congestion by shifting some commuters to cycling, especially for short trips. Cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam have shown that dedicating space to bikes can eventually lead to fewer cars on the road, easing overall traffic. However, these benefits are often gradual, requiring time for commuter habits to shift.

3. Economic Benefits to Local Businesses: Studies have found that bike lanes can positively impact local economies, as cyclists tend to shop locally and spend more over time compared to drivers. In New York City, for example, retail sales along a street with a new bike lane increased by up to 49%, compared to 3% in areas without them. Giving bike lanes a longer trial period offers an opportunity to track economic impact and support local businesses.

4. Safety Improvements Over Time: The presence of dedicated bike lanes has been shown to improve safety for both cyclists and drivers by reducing the likelihood of accidents. According to a study by the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), crash rates for all road users dropped in cities with bike lanes. However, initial periods may see adjustment challenges as road users become accustomed to new layouts. Keeping the lanes allows enough time for all users to adapt, making the roads safer in the long run.

5.Environmental and Health Benefits: Long-term reductions in car use due to increased cycling can lead to lower emissions and improved air quality. As more people transition to biking, cities often observe lower carbon emissions and better air quality, which benefits public health. For example, Portland’s long-term investment in bike infrastructure has significantly reduced CO2 emissions. These effects are cumulative, with greater benefits over time.

6. Reduced Stress Takes Time: Research published in the Journal of Transport and Health found that both drivers and cyclists experience reduced stress over time as they become familiar with bike lanes. Initial anxieties around potential conflicts with cyclists tend to decrease as drivers learn how to navigate around these lanes confidently.

7. Cost Savings in Infrastructure Maintenance: In the long term, bike lanes cost less to maintain than car lanes, since bicycles cause far less wear and tear on infrastructure. Some cities have found significant budget savings by prioritizing bike lanes. Allowing more time to measure the financial impact of these lanes could reveal cost savings that benefit the city’s budget.

8. Long-Term Public Health Savings: Increased cycling leads to health benefits, such as reductions in cardiovascular disease, obesity, and respiratory issues. Cities with more established cycling infrastructure tend to see a healthier population, which can reduce public healthcare costs over time. Giving the bike lanes more time allows the city to potentially see these health benefits, which require years of behavior change and consistent cycling habits.

Overall, supporting bike lanes is about investing in a stronger economy with a healthier, faster and more efficient community.