ChangeLab Solutions developed Getting the Wheels Rolling: A Guide to Using Policy to Create
Bicycle Friendly Communities for decision-makers, government officials, community groups,
and others interested in making all types of communities more bicycle friendly. Click to view it.
Bicycling improves our health, benefits the local economy, and helps create more vibrant,
sustainable communities. But even as more and more people are getting around by bicycle, there
is still tremendous room for growth in the numbers of people who bicycle. One of the most
powerful ways to increase the amount of bicycle travel is the adoption of bicycle friendly laws
and policies. Policies can remove obstacles to bicycling, create incentives for bicycling infrastructure,
and make it easier and safer to bicycle. That means that state and local policymakers have a pivotal
role to play in the future of bicycling. But some policymakers aren't sure where to start. Others are
daunted by the challenge of how to effectively use policy to promote bicycling, especially in light of
the vast array of state and local policy options.
Creating a bicycle friendly community is a significant commitment. But it can be done – even where
communities are starting with low bicycling rates and little existing bicycle infrastructure. And the
rewards are high. Using policy to make bicycling an integral part of daily life is a win for everyone,
as individuals become active and healthy, neighborhoods grow to be more lively and sustainable,
and local economies and the environment benefit.