Study: Lack of Safe Infrastructure Keeps People Away From Active Transportation

Roughly two-thirds of respondents to an REI Co-op survey said they would ride bikes more if protected bike lanes and other safety measures were more prevalent in their communities.

1 minute read

May 15, 2024, 6:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Cyclists riding on green painted bike lane protected by flexible post delineators in Chicago, Illinois.

A bike lane in Chicago, Illinois. | Chicago Department of Transportation / Kinzie Street protected bike lane

A consumer study from outdoor retailer REI Co-op highlights barriers to active transportation participation that transportation planners can use to fill gaps in service networks and encourage more multimodal transportation.

Unsurprisingly, “The majority of respondents, 68%, said their frequency of bike trips would increase if dedicated infrastructure were present, while 62% expressed it’s hard to find safe infrastructure for active transportation in their respective cities.”

The study highlights the federal Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP), which aims to enhance active transportation infrastructure and connect active transportation facilities with transit. “This holistic approach reduces carbon emissions and fosters equitable transportation options across diverse communities.” The study indicates that these improvements could encourage more people to use multimodal transportation.

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