Study: Resurgent in the U.S., Bike Ownership Stagnates Worldwide

Of the 7.3 billion people living on the planet, one in every 12 owns a bike. Despite appearances, however, that number has not increased much in recent years.

1 minute read

December 6, 2015, 5:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell

Ari Phillips reports on a new study in the Journal of Transport & Health that finds "global bicycle ownership has significantly fallen in the past three decades."

"Published in the Journal of Transport & Health, researchers from Johns Hopkins University analyzed data from 1.25 billion households in what they consider to be the the [sic] first global study of bicycle ownership over time. They found that the number of bike owners, while increasing or holding steady in some countries, has plummeted in others," explains Phillips.

Phillips spoke with the lead author of the story, Olufolajimi Oke, who hopes that the finds of the study will help policymakers find ways to get more traction for cycling. In a surprising finding couched in the otherwise distressing news for biking advocates, the United States has actually led the recent resurgence in the popularity of bikes in the past five years. Still, the percentage of Americans riding a bike for their commute hasn't changed much in the past decade.

The article includes more geographic detail about the findings of the study as well as some speculation on what the data means for the societies driving the numbers.

FULL STORY: Since the start of the millennial generation, bicycle ownership has screeched to a halt

Thursday, December 3, 2015 in Fusion

Transportation World United States Bike Ownership Biking Cycling Mode Share 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.