Earth Policy Institute Resources on BICYCLES and TRANSPORTATION

Bicycle Indicator

Eco-Economy Indicators are twelve trends that the Earth Policy Institute tracks to measure progress in building an eco-economy. Bicycle production is included because it measures our ability to provide affordable transportation, reduce traffic congestion, lower air pollution, increase mobility, and provide exercise to the world’s growing population.

In 2003, global production of bicycles hit 105 million—two-and-a-half times the record 42 million cars produced. During the 1950s and 1960s, bicycle and automobile production were nearly equal. In the decades following, however, bike output soared, reaching 91 million in 1990, when car production totaled 36 million. Since then, with the exception of 1997 and 1998 (when output dropped to 90 million and then 87 million), about 100 million bikes have been produced each year. MORE...

Key Data Related to BICYCLES and TRANSPORTATION:

Figure 1: World Bicycle Production, 1950-2003 graph table

Figure 2: World Bicycle and Automobile Production, 1950-2003 graph table

Figure 3: Selected Bicycle Promotion Initiatives from Around the World

Previous Bicycle indicator: Bicycle Production Breaks 100 Million


Additional Information from the Eco-Economy Updates:

The Short Path to Oil Independence: Gas-Electric Hybrids and Wind Power Offer Winning Combination (13 October 2004)

Fuel Cell-Powered Cars Hitting the Road Ahead of Schedule (31 October 2002)

Air Pollution Fatalities Now Exceed Traffic Fatalities by 3 to 1 (17 September 2002)

World Turning to Bicycle for Mobility and Exercise (17 July 2002 )

Paving the Planet: Cars and Crops Competing for Land (14 February 2001)