The fitness benefits of a good bike ride (both physical and mental) are well known. People with physical challenges or disabilities have found that riding trails is a great way to stay fit and boost mood.

More and more commuters are choosing bicycles as an ideal mode for transportation and commutes in the U.S. In fact, the estimated size of the U.S. bicycle market is around $6.2 billion according to a report by Statista. As biking gains increased popularity, government policymakers are firm in prioritizing bike lanes to adapt to the rush of commuters on two wheels. This is a thrilling development for those who are choosing to bike on a daily basis.

Want to bike across the United States from east to west or west to east? Now, you can with the aid of the Great American Rail-Trail, a pathway that stretches 3,700 miles (6,000 km) across 12 states that will serve bikers, hikers, and riders.

Throughout the pandemic, bike paths and hiking trails regained their standing within society as an important and invaluable recreation option. Moreover, biking and walking were rated higher and higher for commutes with individuals who didn’t want the close confines of public transportation.

It’s generally well accepted that biking is better for the environment since it produces no pollution and consumes no fossil fuels. However, many people choose not to bike, citing safety as a top concern. Bike lanes provide a solution for safety-minded bikers, creating an opportunity for more biking with added safety and specific routes.

One result of population growth within cities is something called urban expansion, which is the unrestricted growth of housing, businesses, and roads without any specific planning. Urban expansion influences cities’ social and environmental dynamics, causing a number of disadvantages, including longer commutes, higher transportation costs, pollution, and loss of countryside.

An ideal bike pathway is seamlessly incorporated into city infrastructure, easily serving cyclists and pedestrians without hampering motor vehicle traffic. Preferably in bright contrast with its surroundings, this bike pathway stands out from the pavement to provide recognizable traffic patterns that keep cyclists and pedestrians safe.  

Urban planners have explored many options for bike pathways in order to determine the best option for commuters. 

Bike delineators are one solution to keeping bicyclists, pedestrians, and vehicle drivers safe. They need to meet certain requirements in order to serve individuals with disabilities and be ADA compliant.

Creating a bike lane city infrastructure requires the coordination of the appropriate government agencies, resources, and construction logistics. It’s a time-intensive ordeal; however, the benefits are many for cities that are suffering from intense air pollution, overcrowding, and congestion. Bike lanes alter the city infrastructure and also improve the health of inhabitants.

Portland State University noted that when five major US cities incorporated protected bike lanes into their city infrastructure, bike ridership increased 170 percent.