This paper aims to provide insight on whether bicycling for everyday travel can help
US adults meet the recommended levels of physical activity and what role public
infrastructure may play in encouraging this activity. The study collected data on
bicycling behavior from 166 regular cyclists in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan
area using global positioning system (GPS) devices. Sixty percent of the cyclists rode
for more than 150 minutes per week during the study and nearly all of the bicycling
was for utilitarian purposes, not exercise. A disproportionate share of the bicycling
occurred on streets with bicycle lanes, separate paths, or bicycle boulevards. The
data support the need for well-connected neighborhood streets and a network of
bicycle-specific infrastructure to encourage more bicycling among adults. This can
be accomplished through comprehensive planning, regulation, and funding.