Short-run and long-run policies for increasing bicycle transportation for daily commuter trips

Long-run and short-run policies to increase the share of bicycle transportation for commuting to and from work are discussed. Analyses of data collected in the Philadelphia metropolitan area show that two general approaches can be taken to promote bicycle transportation. One is a set of policies geared to making bicycling safer and more convenient, essentially short-run 'pro-bike' policies. The other set is aimed at reducing the convenience of automobile commuting. This is an 'anti-auto' policy which can only be implemented in the long run. Since much of the sample had no choice but to commute by automobile, the impact of this constraint on the policy options is examined. In the long run it is assumed that commuters will have the choice of at least two modes by adjusting the distance between home and work locations. Specific proposals are discussed to implement some of the policies considered.