U.S. Still Missing Bike Lessons from Europe

Bicycling is growing in popularity in the U.S., but it still isn't considered a serious form of transportation as it is in Europe, according to this piece from Yale Environment 360.

1 minute read

July 21, 2011, 5:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg

Writer Elisabeth Rosenthal compares the cycling experience of the U.S. with European cities and finds major differences.

"When we talk about "bike friendly" cities in the United States, most are mere college towns and none boast more than 6 per cent bike commuters. According to the United States Census Bureau's 2009 community survey, 76 percent of Americans drive to work alone in their cars each day, while only 0.6 percent arrive by bicycle.

What's going on here? One key component that has enabled Europe's successful bike revolution, I think, is not infrastructure, but sociology: While Americans still view bicycling as a form of exercise or recreation, a tectonic shift in attitudes has taken place in many parts of Europe, where people now regard bicycling as a serious form of urban mass transportation."

FULL STORY: On Biking, Why Can’t the U.S. Learn Lessons from Europe?

Thursday, July 14, 2011 in Yale Environment 360

Government / Politics Infrastructure Transportation Europe United States European Cities Cycling Bicycles View More

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

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

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.