BOULDER, CO (BRAIN)--Seven percent of the U.S. population rides a bike to work an average of two times a week, according to a recent study by Leisure Trends Group. The study also found that one of every three American adults owns at least one bike.
“Bicycling could be the next smart way for affluent and eco-centric Americans to travel,” said Jim Spring, president of Leisure Trends Group. “The average price paid for a bike in 2006 was $285 compared to tens of thousands for an automobile. And the sport uses the perfect fuel: carbs and proteins. What is great about biking is that it is good for the air we breathe, good for our hearts and its carbon footprint is more like puppy paws than Big Foots. The demographic groups most avid about bicycling tend to be professionals or managers with incomes over $80,000 per year.”
The report, “Biking The Next Smart Way to Travel,” also found that most bikes are used for fun, exercise (health), exploration and adventure. The top five reasons Americans bike: it is good exercise (1), a sport for everyone (2), good for the environment (3), lots of fun (4) and a good way to lose weight (5).
According to Leisure Trends, for more Americans to adopt the bicycle as a means to get to work, or to improve their health and lose weight, bikes must be designed for older Americans (over 45), sellers must do a better job of assuring women they will not break down, and towns and cities have to become more bike-friendly.
Note: U.S. adult population refers to the American public, 16 years of age and older. -Lynette Carpiet
