U.S. bicyclists save $4.6 billion per year by riding, instead of driving

• May 22, 2012

Many people cycling in Washington, DC

Creative Commons: Ken Mayer, 2011

While the health benefits of biking are well-documented for both cyclists and the planet, it turns out that the U.S. economy is a bit more in the pink thanks to all that pedaling.

Sure, the simple act of cycling instead of driving can reduce carbon footprints and trim waistlines, but it adds more than just a little girth where it counts — the pocketbook. According to a new report from the League of American Bicyclists, Sierra Club, and National Council of La Raza (NCLR), cyclists in the U.S. save a whopping $4.6 billion every year on gas and transportation costs.

And, if all other commuters made even minor adjustments to their four-wheeled, gas-guzzling routines, that figure could be nearly doubled.

Read More: Treehugger >>


  • http://russellmcneil.blogspot.ca/ Russell McNeil

    Great news – but surely you could find a better image. I cycle daily and save around $1200/year in fuel. But, I’d never leave home without wearing a safety helmet. No one ion this picture is wearing one.

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