Benefits of Walking and Biking

Walking and biking aren't just for fun, they're real transportation choices.

If you've visited Walking and Biking Safety you already have a good start on how to safely navigate your community on foot or by bike. Many of us lead an auto-oriented lifestyle which has us in our cars for up to 10 trips a day. What about using your feet or your bike for some of those trips? Short and mid-range errands of up to several miles can be accomplished by walking, bicycling or combining those activities with transit. By leaving your car at home for a few trips you can reap the health rewards of increased physical activity, feel more connected to your community, help protect the environment and save money normally spent on gasoline and parking costs. Here we share helpful advice on getting a start on walking or biking to work, to school or for any of your local errands.

The resources in this section include:

  • Health benefits
  • Environmental benefits
  • Economic benefits
  • Community & Quality of Life Benefits
  • Case Studies of walking & biking programs in communities

Success Stories

  • Benefits of Bicycling
    This article describes how the positive consequences of bicycling and walking as healthy modes of transportation, or as purely recreational activities, span across many aspects of our lives.

  • Improving Conditions for Bicycling & Walking
    This "best practices" report provides information on some outstanding pedestrian and bicycle projects that have been recognized for increasing walking and bicycling and improving user safety in communities across the Unites States.

  • San Luis Obispo’s "Bike First" Program
    In late 2004, the San Luis Obispo Bicycle Coalition launched a unique program designed to encourage bicycle commuting, improve air quality, and reduce automobile dependency in San Luis Obispo County. In exchange for a pledge to reduce the number of personal motor vehicle trips, participants received training and a significant subsidy for a high-quality commuter bicycle package.

  • Walking as a Way of Life
    This article discusses how regular exercise provides a myriad of health benefits for senior adults including a stronger heart, a positive mental outlook and an increased chance of remaining indefinitely independent.

  • Walnut Creek Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program Case Study
    The City of Walnut Creek historically has had a bicycle crash rate that averaged higher than crash rates of other, comparable jurisdictions within the state. This study describes how the City successfully implemented a Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program to reduce bicycle and pedestrian fatalities and injuries.

Recommended Links