There are various benefit streams that flow to society from active forms of transportation including:
- Reduced health costs (e.g., reduced risks of chronic diseases and ill health)
- Reduced costs related to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions
- Reduced traffic congestion and increased vehicle operating costs savings
- Increased productivity and reduction of sick days in the workplace
- Increased demand for recreational/leisure goods and services
In addition, bicycling and walking are viewed as opportunities to grow the regional economy. As the number of active transportation participants and individual trips in the region increases, so does the impact of bicycling and walking on state and local economies.
Investments in pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure generate economic returns in the form of increased visitation of travelers and tourism and related expenditures. And, there is evidence to suggest that property values increase along greenways and trails as well as pedestrian and cycling friendly neighborhoods and communities.
Source: “Economic Impact of Bicycling and Walking in Vermont ” Final Draft Report March 8, 2012