San Diego, known for its sunny weather and beautiful landscapes, has experienced a remarkable surge in biking over the past few years. According to a recent report by Streetlight Data, the San Diego metropolitan region witnessed a staggering 71% increase in biking from 2019 to 2022, making it the second-largest increase in the country. This growth in biking has placed San Diego in the spotlight, ranking second only to New York City.
The report analyzed national travel surveys and anonymized cell phone location data to gather its findings. It also revealed a noteworthy 37% increase in average daily bike trips across the entire country.
While San Diego’s substantial biking growth is undoubtedly impressive, the report does not provide specific reasons for the surge. However, the region’s sunny weather, the disruption of travel behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the city’s investment in bike infrastructure are speculated to have contributed to this increase.
Anar Salayev, Executive Director of BikeSD, expressed surprise at San Diego’s high ranking in the report. Salayev pointed out that although several new bike projects have been introduced in recent years, these bike lanes are not always connected, leaving significant gaps in the network. To further promote biking in San Diego, Salayev hopes that city leaders will be motivated to encourage and nurture more biking and debunk the misconception that it is not popular in the city.
The growth in biking aligns with San Diego’s climate goals, as it promotes sustainable transportation and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. However, driving has also increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, with cars remaining the major source of the city’s emissions. Therefore, further efforts are needed to fully offset San Diego’s carbon footprint by 2035.
The report’s findings are a positive indication of the increasing interest in biking among San Diego residents. However, it also highlights the need for further investment in bike infrastructure to provide a safe and connected network for cyclists. As the city continues to prioritize sustainable modes of transportation, it is crucial to address the challenges and create an environment that encourages even more people to embrace biking as a viable transportation option.
In conclusion, San Diego’s remarkable 71% increase in biking is an achievement worth applauding. The city’s investment in bike infrastructure and its citizens’ embrace of biking as a mode of transport have contributed to this impressive growth. However, there is still work to be done to improve and expand the biking network, ensuring the safety and convenience of cyclists. With continued efforts and investments, San Diego has the potential to become a leading biking city in the United States.
