"Consumer surveys consistently show that cyclists are not riding to work because they care about equity or even climate change. Rather, cyclists tell bike companies and researchers that their motivations align more with classic conservative political narratives: Cycling is a great way to stay healthy without needing government support. Cycling is all about self-reliance because a rider can get to where he or she is going efficiently. Cycling can save hard-working American families lots of money."
"Roads are tremendously valuable, tax-subsidized real-estate. It's estimated that up to nearly one-quarter of all urban land in the US is taken up by streets with an approximate land value of approximately $4.1 trillion. Roadway and bridge projects to maintain and expand these assets present huge capital and operating expenditures at all levels of government. This volume of money and land devoted to single occupancy vehicles alone does not represent the highest and best use of a public assets."
Cycling has been primarily championed by progressives for environmental and equity reasons, but this alignment with liberal causes has limited its appeal and political support. However, cycling delivers substantial benefits that align with conservative values. Cyclists are primarily motivated by personal freedom, self-reliance, and financial savings rather than climate concerns. Biking reduces taxpayer burden since roads consume vast amounts of subsidized urban land worth trillions of dollars. Bike infrastructure requires minimal investment compared to automobile-focused roadway expansion while increasing asset value and reducing crashes. By reframing cycling around conservative principles of personal responsibility, fiscal responsibility, and limited government, advocates can build broader political support across the ideological spectrum.
#cycling-advocacy #conservative-values #fiscal-responsibility #infrastructure-policy #political-messaging
Read at Streetsblog
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