PeopleForBikes, with generous support from REI Co-op, is proud to announce the launch of the Recreational Bicycling Access Tool, a first-of-its-kind resource designed to evaluate the accessibility, quality, and connectivity of recreational biking facilities across the United States. In development for the past three years, the new tool builds on PeopleForBikes' existing work with City Ratings, the Bicycle Network Analysis, and the Great Bike Infrastructure Project to help communities make better data-driven decisions about where to invest in bike infrastructure.
The Recreational Bicycling Access Tool provides comprehensive data highlighting the current state of recreational bicycling infrastructure at various geographic levels — ranging from census tracts to congressional districts — and evaluates access using five key metrics:
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Facilities available within specific distance parameters.
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Miles of Trails the average resident can access.
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Miles per Person measuring trail access per 1,000 residents.
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Amenities available in proximity to facilities.
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Bike Parks available to the community.
The tool includes a wide range of facility types and categorizes them into four classes of recreational opportunities: paved trails, unpaved roads, unpaved trails, and bike parks.
“The launch of the Recreational Bicycling Access Tool underscores our shared commitment with PeopleForBikes to expand outdoor access for everyone in America,” said Alicia Harvie, head of community and government affairs at REI Co-op. “It represents the most comprehensive inventory of recreational facilities ever assembled in the U.S, enabling land managers and cycling advocates alike to assess the types of facilities and amenities available in specific geographic tracts. For communities across this country, this means faster, more informed decisions to drive meaningful investments in biking infrastructure.”
The Recreational Bicycling Access Tool is intended for use by a broad spectrum of stakeholders, from land managers and government staff to bike advocates and academic researchers. It complements PeopleForBikes’ Bicycle Network Analysis tool, which measures the quality of low-stress on-road bicycle networks in more than 2,500 global communities. Both tools leverage data from OpenStreetMap, a real-time database leveraged by other service providers including Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft.
“This tool significantly enhances our ability to drive progress on expanding recreational biking infrastructure,” said Jenn Dice, president and CEO of PeopleForBikes. “By integrating the Recreational Bicycling Access Tool with our Bicycle Network Analysis, we now have the data to identify gaps, prioritize investments, and improve connectivity at scale. This is about turning data into action — making sure every community has the tools to build better, more connected networks of bike facilities that meet the needs of today’s riders.”
The Recreational Bicycling Access Tool is available now at recreation.peopleforbikes.org. To learn more about the tool’s functionality and future plans to expand its capabilities, deepen the tool’s analyses, and how it will increase access to great places to ride, joinPeopleForBikes’ webinar on March 4 at 12 p.m. MT.
About REI Co-op
REI is a specialty outdoor retailer headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 24 million members who expect and love the best quality gear and outstanding customer service. In addition to the co-op’s many stores across the country, outdoor enthusiasts can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet, or the REI shopping app. Everyone is welcome to shop REI, but members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits. REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.
About PeopleForBikes
PeopleForBikes is a national bike foundation and the U.S. bicycle industry’s trade association representing more than 340 bicycle industry supplier members and nearly 1.4 million individuals. Through our three areas of influence — infrastructure, policy, and participation — we accelerate the construction of safe, fun, and connected places to bike; advance pro-bike and pro-bike-business legislation; and welcome more people to the joys of riding a bike. Our goal: Become the best place to ride a bike in the world. Join us at PeopleForBikes.org.
