The gas tax covers only 60 percent of our road costs. Bicycles are a highly efficient alternative to cars. 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.