The Rise to Foot Powered Transportation (click for commentary, graphics and numerical data)

A dramatic increase in federal funding of bicycle/pedestrian programs has led to a big increase in bicycle and walking trips. Of course that’s not the only reason.  State and local funding have increased, research has shown what kinds of projects are best (e.g., separated bike lanes), and advocacy groups have expanded and worked successfully.

This June 2010 infographic from GOOD and Part & Parcel shows that federal funding increased from $16 million in 1990 to $1.3 billion in 2009. Numbers come from USDOT’s May 2010 National Bicycling and Walking Study (pdf).

National Bicycling and Walking Study - 15 year report  (Please click link to read full report.) 

One interesting item to note: when funding for biking and walking increased, more people got started biking and walking. (Duh!)  What will happen now that funding for biking, walking and trails programs have been slashed?