Economics of Bicycling/Walking

In 2000, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) commissioned a report to study the economic benefits of bicycling and walking. This report was the first of its kind in the United States.

The data from this report has been used to inform policymakers of the economic importance of bicycling and walking—both as a mode of transportation and as a means of recreation for Colorado residents and visitors. Additionally, the report provided insight into the factors that prevent Coloradans from bicycling or walking, and improvements that can be made to facilitate both modes as a means of transportaiton.

In 20016, CDOT, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment (CDPHE), and the Colorado Pedals Project commissioned a study team (BBC Research & Consulting, and Alta Planning & Design) to not only update the 2000 study, but to include the impacts of bicycling and walking on health.

Although the methodology is similar, the 2016 report is more than an update; it's rather a study unto itself. Both studies are being remediated for accessibility to ensure equitable access for all. The accessible versions will be posted here and made available to download once available.