Biking infrastructure saves money and helps the climate

By Shanna Edberg
February 24, 2016

A new study by the University of California found that cities around the world could save $24 trillion and lower urban vehicle emissions by 11% by 2050 by improving bicycling infrastructure and creating incentives for bike and low-energy e-bike usage. Policies that could bring about this scenario include implementing bike share programs, creating laws that improve the safety of bikers, repealing any subsidies to car use such as fuel subsidies and free parking, and putting any congestion or driving fees into the development of sustainable transport. Despite the initial investments required to increase bicycle usage, in the medium and long term, cities and people would save money by reducing the need for car travel, new roads, and parking lots.

Climate Protection: Reduces carbon emissions from driving cars Energy & Mobility: Increases access to human-powered and low energy transportation Jobs & Assets: Saves money on car infrastructure and maintenance Health, Well-Being, & Safety: Lowers air pollution emitted by cars; encourages exercise; reduces car accidents Connection: Brings people out to experience their city and surroundings

This post is part of a series on examples of multisolving, or climate-smart policies that simultaneously work to mitigate climate change while providing co-benefits such as the ones described above. The multiple benefits analysis was done using the FLOWER framework.