Denver had 2.2% bike commuters in 2010

Submitted by Kris Thompson on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 07:39

The American Communities Survey published its commuter mode share estimates for 2010 this morning and the news is great for Denver!

Denver’s bicycle commuter mode share increased to 2.2% in 2010, up from 1.8% in 2009. That’s a 22% increase in one year and is more than 4 times the national average of 0.5%. Since 2005, the percentage of bicycle commuting in Denver has increased by 57.1%, and since 2000 it has increased by 131.6%. Nationally, Denver compares well with other large cities. As shown in the graph below, Denver ranks 6th among the 43 cities with populations over 400,000. Thanks to Andy Duvall, Vice Chair of the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee, for putting this graph together (click to enlarge).

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6 Comments

6th place great! but only 2.2%

Submitted by Rick James (not verified) on Fri, 10/21/2011 - 19:38

Awesome to be in 6th place but 2.2% is pretty sad... not sad on Denver so much but if all you need is 2.2% to get 6th place in the USA is pretty sad

In Denver's defense, we have

Submitted by Mike (not verified) on Sat, 10/22/2011 - 11:53

In Denver's defense, we have a pretty cold winter. The city is also spread out. Eh, there's a lot of factors that weigh on this. It would be great to see higher numbers but i think 2.2% is pretty great. I don't think Denver is doing anything to prevent commuting, in fact we have great routes and trails. You can live in the burbs and still get into down town safely by bike.

How did they get these numbers? Just man on the street counting?

The data comes from the

Submitted by ToddHock (not verified) on Mon, 10/24/2011 - 11:22

The data comes from the American Community Survey 2010 (Census) and the question asked about "primary mode of transportation" to work. The results are actually an under-count because most people that bike once or twice a week, such as myself, would still answer with car as the primary mode of transport.

I've been very impressed with Denver's bike paths since moving here from Portland. My commute is LoHi>DTC via Cherry Creek bike path and it's remarkably easy to navigate and very safe.

Intersting...

Submitted by Tim (not verified) on Sat, 10/22/2011 - 20:49

How can it be that Minneapolis didn't make the results of this survey? Doesn't make ANY sense. Even with our bad winters, Minneapolis respectively holds a 3.5% commuter share http://www.mndaily.com/2011/09/29/minneapolis-falls-bike-rankings-reside... In 2010, Minneapolis was surveyed to have a 4.3% commuter share. There is a lot of criteria that can affect the results for any community, but I think Minneapolis is due its place in these results.

Could it be a technicality?

Submitted by Kris Thompson on Sun, 10/23/2011 - 19:58

Could they be going purely off of city boundaries and NOT including all of the various suburbs that make up that city? Agree, it is strange because I have heard amazing things about bike commuters from up north.

Population and political boundaries

Submitted by ToddHock (not verified) on Mon, 10/24/2011 - 10:00

The list only includes ACS 'major cities' and since Minneapolis alone has less than 400,000 it's not part of this list. If the entire metro area were included i.e. St Paul, suburbs, etc (3+ million) then Minn would be right near the top.