Le cycliste est-il un ami du conducteur automobile?

Sur au moins un point, OUI!  Tout piéton, cycliste ou passager du transport collectif correspond à une automobile en moins sur les routes.  Les automobilistes qui se croient Roi et Maître de l'asphalte, sous le faux prétexte qu'ils payent des taxes, devraient se calmer le ponpon et nous ''remercier''.

Small Decrease in Driving = Huge Decrease in Congestion

Is anyone ever tried to tell you that there are too few bicyclists to reduce traffic congestion in any noticeable way? Well, new data shows that it doesn’t take large reductions in driving to see major improvements in traffic flow.

In 2011, total vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in the United States declined 1.2%. That means, due to the economy and other factors, Americans drove slightly less in 2011 than they did in 2010. But what makes that remarkable is the striking result: Congestion decreased 30%.

INRIX Traffic Scorecard

Bicyclists are everywhere, but we tend to flock to large dense cities – many of the places faced with the most congested roads and most likely to benefit from commuters leaving their cars at home in favor of their bikes.

Don’t worry if you’re not a bike commuter. It’s not just work trips that contribute to congestion. About half of all peak-hour trips are not work-related. If you’re riding instead of driving during morning and afternoon rush, you’re helping to ease congestion.

Talking Traffic 2011, NHTS, FHWA, Office of Highway Policy Information

Among other things, this is useful information for making the case to use Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement funds for bicycling and walking projects.

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