Decline in Bicycling and Walking = Obesity Epidemic
Wednesday, 29 August 2007
Washington, D.C. – August 29, 2007 – According to a report released today by the Thunderhead Alliance, the dust settling on Americans’ parked bikes is likely linked to our expanding waist lines. Bicycling and Walking in the U.S., Thunderhead’s first biennial Benchmarking Report, shows that bicycling and walking have been in decline in the U.S. since the 1960s.
At the same time there has been a surge in adults and children who are obese. The report compares, for the first time ever, bicycling and walking levels, investment in bicycling and walking, and public health. The most striking findings reveal major disparities between cycling and walking levels, traffic fatalities, and federal funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects.
According to Thunderhead’s Executive Director, Sue Knaup, “Most public health advocates already preach the benefits of biking and walking. This report clearly demonstrates that cities and states with the highest rates of cycling and walking almost always have the lowest levels of obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.”
Besides linking cycling, walking, and public health, the report
highlights the challenges the U.S. faces in regards to increasing
bicycling and walking. Bicycling and walking make up 9.6 percent of all
trips. Yet bicyclists and pedestrians represent 12.9 percent of all
traffic-related fatalities, and only 1.5 percent of federal
transportation dollars are spent on bicycling and walking projects.
“State and local governments can choose whether their money goes
towards expanding highways or improving their communities for bicycling
and walking,” Knaup said. “In order to make streets safe and inviting
for all citizens and reverse our nation’s obesity epidemic, state and
local officials must get serious about investing in bicycling and
walking.”
The report was released to Thunderhead Alliance’s network of bicycle
and pedestrian advocacy organizations and government officials
throughout the country. Thunderhead anticipates that advocates,
officials, and citizens will use this cutting-edge report to promote a
greater investment in bicycling and walking in their communities.
Thunderhead Alliance is the national coalition of state and local
bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations. Bicycling and Walking in
the U.S. was made possible by support from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention and the Bikes Belong Coalition. On-going support
from Planet Bike and the National Bicycle Dealers Association also
ensured the report’s success. To view Bicycling and Walking in the U.S.
visit http://www.thunderheadalliance.org/benchmarking.htm
For more information, please contact Kristen Steele, Outreach and Development Manager:
415-513-5281,
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