Bicycles require only 22 calories per passenger kilometer, compared to rail at 549 calories per passenger kilometer and cars at a staggering 1,153 calories per passenger kilometer. The law gives greater weight to bicycling as a means of transportation. Pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities to be constructed under this section shall be located and designed pursuant to an overall plan to be developed by each metropolitan planning organization and State and incorporated into their comprehensive annual long-range plans. Bicycles exceed ownership of autos worldwide. In Cuba, where there is a U.S.-imposed economic blockade, no cars are newer than 34 years old.
Bikes are very popular for commuting.
The story of the bicycle movement from the 1970s to today is that many excellent plans have not been implemented. Former president Carter encouraged pro-bike legislation, much of which died in Congress. All federal pro-bike programs were wiped out with the argument that oil had become cheap again. Bike theft is increasing three times as fast as other larcenies in cities. A 1973 federal government study proposed that the Department of Transportation establish a permanent, centralized Bureau of Bicycle Transportation to organize and direct bicycle related matters and to offset the influence of the auto and oil industry.