Suggested Citation:
Handy, Susan L., Gil Tal, Marlon G. Boarnet (2014) Brief: Impacts of Bicycling Strategies on Passenger Vehicle Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Davis, Brief UCD-ITS-RR-14-46

Strategies that facilitate increased bicycle use have the potential to reduce vehicle trips and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by shifting trips from cars to bicycles and even from cars to transit. Bicycling strategies fall into two main categories: (1) infrastructure projects that improve bicycle accessibility, safety, and convenience, either while traveling or at the end of the trip, and (2) programs that promote bicycling directly or indirectly through education, community events, advertising, and other activities (Table 1). Several strategies are used to facilitate bicycling in combination with transit. Legal policies, such as helmets and speed limits, may also affect bicycling levels. Communities have implemented projects, programs, and policies separately and in combination. Comprehensive efforts that involve complementary strategies are generally guided by a local or regional bicycle plan.

Key words: Bicycling, infrastructure, policy