Strategies > Transportation Infrastructure > Bicycle Infrastructure
Bicycle Infrastructure
Photo: City of Portland, OR
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Bicycle infrastructure includes bicycle networks, bicycle lanes, protected bicycle lanes (aka cycletracks), neighborhood bikeways, and intersection designs. Current practice recommends protected bicycle lanes for streets with higher volumes of traffic and shared use neighborhood bikeways for low-volume streets.
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Proven Outcomes
Increased Physical Activity
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Increased Cyclist Safety
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Bicycle infrastructure is a recommended strategy for increasing physical activity and increasing cyclist safety (Community Guide, 2016).
Likely Outcomes
Reduced Vehicle Use
Improved Sense of Community
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Reduced Air Pollution
Improved Sense of Safety
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Reduced GHG
Reduced Stress
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Improved Aesthics
Increased Retail Activity
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Reduced Obesity Rates
Increased Employment
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Possible co-benefits include reduced vehicle use and associated emissions. An increase in bicycling may reduce vehicle use, but not all trips taken by bicycle substitute for a vehicle trip so it is a not a one-for-one replacement. The direct effect of bicycling on vehicle miles traveled, and therefore, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, has not been well studied (Handy et al, 2014). However, a recent longitudinal study of nearly 2,000 people found that those who replaced one car trip with a bicycle trip reduced their carbon footprint by 0.5 metric tons per year (Brand et al., 2021).
Bicycle infrastructure may improve aesthetics and positive perceptions of the space. It may reduce obesity rates, improve the sense of community, and improve perceptions of neighborhood safety. Bicycle infrastructure may help reduce stress. Finally, it may enhance retail activity and increase employment (Community Guide, 2016; Handy et al, 2014).
Bicycle infrastructure may improve aesthetics and positive perceptions of the space. It may reduce obesity rates, improve the sense of community, and improve perceptions of neighborhood safety. Bicycle infrastructure may help reduce stress. Finally, it may enhance retail activity and increase employment (Community Guide, 2016; Handy et al, 2014).
Equity and Inclusion
- Bicyclists are overrepresented in traffic injuries and fatalities and have been increasing, despite the fact that traffic fatalities overall have decreased (NHTSA, 2019).
- Strategies that involve changes to the physical environment may increase the attractiveness of an area. An increased demand for housing may result in increased property values or rents and could lead to involuntary displacement if appropriate mitigation strategies are not put into place. The lessons learned from anti-displacement efforts in several cities can be found in this PolicyLink report. Practitioners can evaluate the risk of displacement through the methods described by Chapple et al. (2017) or Bates (2013).
- Experiencing harassment or violence while bicycling is a concern for many people of color. Bicycle infrastructure may protect people from crashes but not inter-personal violence. If concerns about racist violence exists, this must be addressed independently from infrastructural solutions.
- Ensure that bicycle infrastructure meets the needs of those with disabilities. Can a three-wheeled bicycle fit in the bicycle lane? Wider than standard bicycle lanes better accommodate mobility devices as well as cargo bicycles and bicycle trailers. Contact your local Center for Independent Living for help assessing the accessibility of your bicycle network.
Complementary Strategies
Implementation Guidance
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Estimating Benefits of Closing Gaps in Active Transportation Networks: A Guide National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2026 |