"...Conclusion
Research shows that infrastructure, programs, and policies that support bicycling can significantly increase levels of bicycling for daily travel. However, it is difficult to generalize about the effectiveness of specific strategies or particular kinds of bicycle infrastructure.
Many studies only measure the impact of incremental expansions and do not capture the full impact of a completed bicycle system. Indeed, the most compelling evidence comes from communities that have implemented a fully integrated package of strategies to increase bicycling. The evidence reviewed in this brief suggests that a comprehensive approach produces a much greater impact on bicycling than individual measures that are not coordinated.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
To maximize bicycling opportunities, cities must build a network of safe and comfortable routes using a mix of bike lanes, bike boulevards, cycle tracks, and bike paths that connect residents to potential destinations.26 Infrastructure that maximizes the separation between bicyclists and motor vehicles, without making bicyclists travel too far out of their way, may be more effective for encouraging new bicyclists than on-street pavement markings.
Investments in infrastructure should be supported by promotional programs, such as biketo-work days and bicycle training, Safe Routes to School programs, and other programs that facilitate bicycling, including bike sharing systems and those that accommodate bicycles on buses and trains.
Policies that make driving more expensive (e.g. higher gasoline taxes and parking fees) and less convenient (e.g. reduced parking supply and reduced speeds) may be necessary to maximize the effectiveness of infrastructure investments in encouraging bicycling.
To encourage bicycling as a mode of transportation, communities also must implement land use and development policies to help ensure that destinations for daily needs, such as school, work, and shopping, are within convenient bicycling distance from home...."