As 2024 comes to an end, we’re thinking of all the good things that bicycles have done to make life better during this latest spin around the sun. These stories make us smile, and we hope they’ll give you the warm and fuzzies too.
2024 was a banner year for the U.S. Bicycle Route System
It's been a great year for the U.S. Bicycle Route System, the national network of bicycle routes that connects urban and rural areas through signed roadways and bike trails. This spring three new routes were added in California, Wyoming and Arkansas, and routes in California and Florida celebrated major extensions. Adventure Cycling Association has a good explainer about these new routes and extensions here.
Additionally, USBRS added four new routes in three states (one in Indiana, one in Missouri and two in Kansas) this fall. Take a look at ACA's summary here.
All together, there were 3,568 miles added in 2024, for a mileage grand total of 23,186. Eventually, we hope the USBRS will make it possible for cyclists to pedal across the entire country via these interconnected routes.
Voters across the country largely approved bike-friendly funding in 2024
A survey of state and local pro-bicycle measures on the ballots across the U.S. this past November shows that by and large, voters tipped their ballots in favor of building and improving bike infrastructure and expanding or maintaining off-road trails and open space for recreation. The survey, conducted by People For Bikes’ Vote for Bikes campaign, shows that out of proposals totaling $33 billion, voters said yes to $26 billion in paved and off-road cycling projects. In Seattle, for example, Proposition 1 passed, which earmarks $1.55 billion over the next eight years for transportation projects, including the construction of new bike lanes, paths and greenways.
Many towns and cities celebrated new bike lanes and paths
If you want to see what some of the country’s newest bike lanes and paths look like, take a look at these infrastructure favorites from People For Bikes. While these projects were completed in 2023, cyclists in these communities have had a full year to enjoy them. New York City cyclists can give their regards to Broadway with an upgraded stretch of protected bike lane, part of the city’s vision to make the iconic street safer and more inviting to pedestrians and cyclists. If you would like to ride in New York City in 2025, check out our NY Empire State Trail: Hudson Valley Greenway Tour.
California offers e-bike vouchers to help in its goal toward zero-emissions
Starting Dec. 18, Californians can apply for a voucher worth up to $2,000 to help purchase a new e-bike, thanks to the California E-Bike Incentive Project. The incentive program’s mission is to help low-income residents to rely less on cars and more on greenhouse gas-reducing e-bikes. This is the first voucher program of its kind in California. We say ride on!
Lael Wilcox makes new world record for cycling around the world
Around the world in 80 days? Lael Wilcox, a 38-year-old ultradistance athlete from Alaska, didn’t make it quite that fast. But then again, she was on a bicycle. Wilcox did miraculously manage to circumnavigate the globe in an astounding 108 days, 12 hours and 12 minutes, clocking in 18,125 miles and climbing 629,880 vertical feet. Her accomplishment, two weeks faster than the previous female record holder (Scotland’s Jenny Graham), is now part of Guinness World Records. Don’t worry, WomanTours has no plans on crafting a new tour from this epic ride!
Enjoy healthier knees via lifelong cycling
A study published this past spring in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that people who ride a bike regularly and have a long history of cycling are significantly less like to develop osteoarthritis and pain in their knees. The study surveyed about 2,600 men and women whose average age was 64 about their biking habits from youth and X-rayed their knees for evidence of the disease. Those who rode regularly displayed 21% fewer symptoms and less X-rayed evidence of damage compared to those who did not bike. So please, save your knees and hop on a bike!