A recent study entitled “Measuring the Streets: New Metrics for the 21st Century” conducted by the New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) revealed that cycling has actually more to offer rather than just fun and fitness. Are you curious what these could possibly be? It may not exactly be what you’re thinking, because the New York Department of Transportation wasn’t talking about the health benefits of riding a bike or how a bike reduces your carbon emissions. No, the New York Department of Transportation was actually speaking about information they gathered from their research. That reveals how riding a commuter bike or city bike actually benefits our economy!

From the results gathered during the department’s research, they found that city bike riders are more likely to stop at a store when compared to someone riding in a car. This is because, according to the study, bicyclists apparently are faced with fewer obstructions when trying to shop. They don’t have to parallel park their car and pay a toll fee with a slot of quarters to go shopping. Bicyclists can just lock up their bikes quick and run in to get whatever fancies their tastes or needs. If you think about the information the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) gathered from local stores in their city, it makes sense for city commuters who use their bikes daily. Because we all know how expensive gas is and how insurance rates somehow always seem to go up. But with a bike you’re saving money and time, especially in a place like New York City where both of these factors are important for the city life. And if you do live in the city and don’t have a car, which is common, think about how much money you are already saving! No monthly insurance payments or weekly gas to fill up your car! That’s a lot less frustration if you ask me and more money to spend on items you want.

I currently live in the city and I can vouch for everything I stated above. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to find a parking spot on the busy streets of Manhattan. Even if a storefront caught my eye, I more often than not would just continue drive because of the hassle it would be to get there. Since I have increased my biking, I have found myself in a lot more stores. Which may not always be that good for my wallet but its doing wonders for the city’s economy. Anything I can do to help, right?

What is also obviously great about bike riding is that it is a healthy alternative, its green and it’s in! Bicycles are being made now to not only look stylish but to also be affordable. You can check out any bike brand and basically see the designs that these companies are coming out with. So if you don’t have a bike, go out and get one! And if you already do have a bicycle, enjoy riding and have a great summer!

About the Author

Andrew Mahon is an avid cyclist who loves to write, walk around the city and of course, bike!