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Kristi Jensen Stacie Weatbrook English 2010 23 October 2013

Bicycle Transportation in Salt Lake County Between 1950 and 1970, the number of Americans who owned an automobile skyrocketed. As the standard of living in America increased, automobile ownership came to be seen as a sign of affluence (Newman and Kenworthy 16). With increasing wealth in America, citizens also began acquiring their own private blocks of land to enjoy backyard activities (Newman and Kenworthy 17). Thus, sprawling American suburbs were born, and along with them, a nation completely dependent upon automobiles. Salt Lake County is no exception. Here we have a perfectly bad example of suburban sprawl and the problems inherent in automobile dependency: poor air quality, long commutes, stressful traffic congestion, and vast sections of land covered with concrete and asphalt. With so many cars in Salt Lake County, roads are constantly being built, expanded, and improved to accommodate all the traffic. But what will happen when we run out of land to pave and our air is too toxic to breathe? Continued expansion of our automobile network is clearly unsustainable. The solution to Salt Lake Countys problematic traffic and air quality is not found in accommodating more and more automobiles. Rather, the solution is simply found on the bicycle. There is no question that air pollution is a significant problem in Salt Lake County. Residents are familiar with Yellow and Red air quality warnings that signify dangerous levels of air pollution. On Yellow and Red air quality days, we are cautioned to avoid outdoor

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physical activity and our children are not permitted to go outside for recess. It is a tragedy that this is our home, yet we have polluted it to the point that going outside poses a health risk. It is not uncommon to look out across the Salt Lake Valley and see a thick blanket of blackish smog lying right on top of us. According to the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, over 50% of Utahs air pollution comes from motor vehicles (Salt Lake City Govt.). Motor vehicles emit pollutants such as hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide gases. When these pollutants react with the heat of the sun, ozone is formed (Salt Lake City Govt.). Ozone, the main ingredient in smog, is a serious health threat; it can cause coughing, respiratory irritation, chest pains, and even decreased immune system function (Salt Lake City Govt.). Plants are also affected by ozone; polluted air means a less green environment (Salt Lake City Govt.). So when we look outside and see filthy air in the Salt Lake Valley, remember that this air is, in fact, toxic. Given that over 50% of Utahs air pollution comes from motor vehicles, the obvious solution is to decrease driving. In addition to pollution and destruction of the environment, our modern car-dependent society faces another dangerous epidemic: obesity and related health problems. As modern American society has come to rely more heavily on automobiles for transportation, our physical health has suffered. John Pucher and Ralph Buehler have spent decades studying transportation patterns in the United States and other countries. They found that countries with high rates of cycling for daily travel have significantly lower rates of obesity than countries like the U.S., which rely heavily upon automobiles (2010 Healthy Cities 393). Clearly, as we have become sedentary during travel, our bodies are unable to get the physical activity needed for good health. Again, the simple solution is found on the bicycle.

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In a 2008 article discussing transportation trends, Pucher and Buehler point out that, instead of burning non-renewable fossil fuels, the only energy cycling requires is provided directly by the traveler, and the very use of that energy offers valuable cardiovascular exercise (2008 Cycling Irresistible 496). They also note lower weight, triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and fasting insulin levels among individuals who cycle to work compared to those who do not (2010 Healthy Cities 392). Furthermore, studies have shown that women who bike at least 30 minutes per day have a lower risk of breast cancer (Bikes Belong). The health benefits of bicycle transportation are clear. Additionally, in a study of over 30,000 participants, Lars Bo Anderson et al. found an interesting correlation between bicycling specifically for transportation and longevity. They report, Even after adjustment for other risk factors, including leisure time physical activity, those who did not cycle to work experienced a 39% higher mortality rate than those who did (1628). It is interesting to note a lower overall risk of death among people who bicycle specifically for transportation, even compared to others who participate in sports and recreational physical activity. Perhaps this is because riding a bicycle for transportation becomes a way of life and is therefore easy to sustain long-term. If bicycle transportation is so good for the environment and so good for physical health, an obvious question remains: why isnt everyone doing it? In other parts of the world, bicycle transportation is much more common than it is in the United States. Pucher and Buehler observe that in the United States, bicycling is seen primarily as a sport, meaning that people ride bikes for fun and recreation, but rarely as a method of transportation (2008 Cycling Irresistible 495). They found that Americans choose a bicycle for their mode of transport only 1% of the time (2008 Cycling Irresistible 498). This is a very low rate, especially compared to countries such

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as the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany, where bicycles are ridden for 27%, 18%, and 10% of total trips, respectively (2008 Cycling Irresistible 498). Why do Americans bicycle for transportation so much less than other countries? To answer this question, Pucher and Buehler looked to the past. They found that these high rates of bicycle transportation were not always the case in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany (2008 Cycling Irresistible 496). In all three countries, as in the U.S., the rate of bicycle transportation plummeted from 1950 to 1975 as automobiles became more common (2008 Cycling Irresistible 496). In the United States, that rate never came back up. But in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany, government stepped in. In response to the harmful environmental, energy and safety impacts of rising car use, each of these countries launched national initiatives to make bicycle transportation more convenient, safe, and affordable than motor vehicle transportation (2008 Cycling Irresistible 502). The goal of each country was to convince their citizens to bicycle more and drive less. They achieved impressive results. In their article, Walking and Cycling for Healthy Cities, Pucher and Buehler identify common fears about bicycling; the three biggest questions that scare people away from bicycle transportation are these: 1. Isnt it difficult to bicycle a long distance? (397). 2. Isnt it dangerous to bicycle in traffic? (399). 3. Isnt bicycling inconvenient? (403). In order to realistically increase bicycle transportation, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany had to find realistic, workable answers to these deterrents. They were successful. First, Pucher and Buehler observe, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany all adopted strict land use policies which require compact, mixed-use developments (2010 Healthy Cities

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406). This means that neighborhoods are built with a mix of residential and commercial properties, bringing businesses close to home, within an easy biking distance. Conversely, in the United States, weve experienced a trend of separating residential land from commercial land, a policy which has made car-ownership almost a necessity (2010 Healthy Cities 407). Second, to improve bicycle safety, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany all built a network of bicycle trails which are separate from motor vehicle traffic (2010 Healthy Cities 403). Putting more space between cyclists and cars has made bicycling much safer in these European countries, and also more popular. Studies have shown that women, children, and the elderly tend to avoid bicycling in traffic (2010 Healthy Cities 399). When traffic-free routes are available, more people feel safe and comfortable riding a bicycle. Third, in Walking and Cycling for Healthy Cities, Pucher and Buehler report that the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany enacted laws to make automobile transportation less appealing than bicycle transportation, including: Illegal right turns on red lights Circular routes for cars versus direct routes for bikes Streets that narrow, zigzag, or contain speed bumps Road blocks for cars that are easily maneuvered on bikes High taxes and fees on cars Speed limits less than 19 miles per hour (404).

With these parameters in place, it is much easier, more enjoyable, and less expensive to ride a bicycle than to drive a car. The United States has not made bicycle transportation a national priority, so we do not have these types of federal regulations to make it safer and more convenient. However, in every

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community, something can be done to increase bicycle transportation, and Salt Lake County is no exception. Here we have practical, realistic answers to the three big questions about bicycle transportation. A Question of Distance Regardless of Salt Lake Countys suburban sprawl, most of us take many short trips close to home: the grocery store, library, fast food restaurant, dry cleaner, bank, or neighborhood park, just to name a few. Furthermore, The United States Federal Highway Administration (U.S. FHWA) found that 50% of Americas population commutes 5 miles or less to work (82). So whether it is a commute to work or one of many daily errands, everyone in Salt Lake County can identify the short trips they take and bicycle instead of drive. While it may not seem like much, eliminating short car trips makes a big difference. According to U.S. FHWA, most air pollutants which are regulated under the Clean Air Act, are emitted within a few minutes of starting a vehicle making [short] trips more polluting per mile (82). The shortest trips are the most polluting by car and also the easiest to bicycle. According to Bikes Belong, a website advocating bicycle transportation, every mile pedaled rather than driven saves about one pound of carbon dioxide from the air we breathe. The miles add up. If everyone in the Salt Lake Valley bicycled every short trip two miles or less we would drastically improve our air quality. When destinations are not close to home, it is still realistic to travel by bicycle. With experience, it is easy to bicycle much farther than seems possible at first. Start bicycling short distances and gradually work up to longer distances. Also, the public transportation system in the Salt Lake Valley is bike friendly. The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) Front Runner commuter trains have special cars with bike racks next to the seats. On these trains, cyclists can

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sit right next to their bikes while they travel. UTA city buses have bike racks on the front of each bus. According to Jack Lasley, Program Coordinator for the Salt Lake County Bicycle Ambassador Program, UTA is aware of the demand for bike facilities on public transportation and they are working to improve it. A combination of bicycle transportation and public transportation makes almost any destination in the Salt Lake Valley within reach, while still reducing air pollution and getting exercise along the way. A Question of Safety There is no question that being separated from traffic feels safer and less stressful to all levels of cyclists. Currently in Salt Lake County, there is not an extensive network of separate bicycle trails. However, according to Evelyn Tuddenham, Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator for Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), there is a huge public demand for bicycle facilities in Salt Lake County. UDOT is responding to that demand. Recently, UDOT revised its official policy and will now consider the needs of cyclists in every road project and make bicycle use a priority (Tuddenham). New bicycle facilities are being built all the time. Even when separate bicycle trails are not available, it is possible to bicycle safely near motor vehicle traffic. Route planning is the key. Instead of choosing major throughways, find routes that are less direct, have low speed limits and wide sidewalks, connect to paved trails, and in general are less convenient for driving. These types of side streets are very pleasant and safe for bicycling. Additionally, to ensure the greatest safety on the bicycle, become educated on bicycle and traffic laws. Learn hand signals, understand right of way, and ride defensively. Anyone new to bicycle transportation can get free advice from the Salt Lake County Bicycle Ambassador Program. Salt Lake Countys Bicycle Ambassadors are a team of volunteers who are enthusiastic and experienced bicycle commuters. Their mission is to

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educate residents, promote bicycle travel, improve bicycle travel conditions, and foster a culture of shared-use and mutual respect between bicycles and other roadway users in Salt Lake County (Salt Lake County). For questions on route planning, biking in adverse weather, safety, or just about anything else, contact a Bicycle Ambassador. A Question of Convenience While driving a motor vehicle may seem more convenient than bicycling, there are many small annoyances that are an unavoidable part of driving. Getting stuck in traffic, finding a parking spot, dealing with road construction these scenarios are all very common, very stressful, and very easy to avoid on a bicycle. In presenting research by New Economic Foundation, Mark Appleton reports that bicycle commuters experience lower stress and greater feelings of freedom, relaxation and excitement than automobile commuters. Everyone is familiar with road rage the crazy, stressful feeling of fighting traffic. Has anyone ever heard of bicycle rage? Not only is bicycling less stressful than driving, it is also actually more convenient. Regular physical exercise is essential for good health, and exercise takes time. Many people choose to buy a gym membership in order to get physical exercise. A Google search for gyms in the Salt Lake Valley yields over 1,600 results. Clearly, there is a big market for exercise facilities. Consider how much time can be saved by combining physical exercise with transportation. Instead of finding extra time each day to hurry to the gym, bicycle commuters go about their daily routine, traveling to the places they need to be, while at the same time getting the exercise they need. In the busy and hectic world of today, this kind of time efficiency makes a lot of sense.

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A common question in the Salt Lake Valley pertains to weather: is it really possible to bicycle here in wintertime? The answer to this question is yes. Jack Lasley has been traveling primarily by bicycle for the past seven years, including winters. According to Lasley, There are very few days each year when it is entirely unsafe or uncomfortable to commute by bicycle. Winters in this area are actually much milder than in other parts of the country. He emphasizes the need to dress in layers. Lasley asserts, The most common mistake people make in winter biking is overdressing. If you arent a little cold when you start, youre going to end up overheating, which is much less comfortable than being cold. The Greater Salt Lake area is famous for world-class skiing; bundling up for biking is no different than bundling up for winter sports. At first glance, bicycle transportation may appear too difficult, too dangerous, and too inconvenient to be done on a regular basis. Upon further consideration, however, it is apparent that none of these initial perceptions are true. By riding a bicycle for all trips under two miles, it is possible to reduce air pollution without excessively strenuous physical exertion. By understanding traffic laws and finding routes through neighborhood streets and separated trails, it is possible to travel safely by bicycle. By combining physical exercise with transportation, fitness is achieved, stress levels are decreased, and time is actually saved. There really is no excuse for not making bicycle transportation part of a healthy and happy lifestyle. In the words of Jack Lasley, Salt Lake County is a very active, outdoorsy community we are poised to become a strong biking community. Get started today. Invest in an affordable, reliable bicycle and start pedaling toward better fitness and a greener environment.

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Works Cited Anderson, Lars Bo, et al. All-Cause Mortality Associated with Physical Activity During Leisure Time, Work, Sports, and Cycling to Work. Arch Intern Med 160 (2000): 16211628. JAMA Internal Medicine. Web. 9 Sept. 2013. Appleton, Mark. Cycle-Commuting the Secret to a Happy Life Says New Economic Foundation Report. Road.cc. Farrelly Atkinson, 2008. Web. 14 Oct. 2013. Bikes Belong. Bikes Belong, 2013. Web. 18 Sept. 2013 Lasley, Jack. Telephone Interview. 23 Sept. 2013. Newman, Peter, and Jeff Kenworthy. The Ten Myths of Automobile Dependence. World Transport Policy & Practice 6.1 (2000): 15-25. Web. 9 Oct. 2013. Pucher, John, and Ralph Buehler. "Making Cycling Irresistible: Lessons from the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany." Transport Reviews 28.4 (2008): 495-528. Academic Search Premier. Web. 6 Sept. 2013. ---. Walking and Cycling for Healthy Cities. Built Environment 36.4 (2010): 391-414. Rutgers: Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. Web. 9 Sept. 2013. Salt Lake City Government. Salt Lake City Corporation, 2013. Web. 14 Oct. 2013. Salt Lake County. Salt Lake County, 2013. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. Tuddenham, Evelyn. Telephone Interview. 12 Sept. 2013. United States. Dept. of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration. Report to the U.S. Congress on the Outcomes of the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program SAFETEA-LU Section 1807. U.S. Dept. of Transportation: Federal Highway Administration. Federal Highway Administration, April 2012. Web. 9 Sept. 2013.