Dr. Rich Oberleitner (www.Dr-Rich.com) is a board-certified chiropractor and functional-medicine educator with 30 years of experience guiding people back to vibrant health through movement and the natural world. After overcoming clinical depression, anxiety and multiple joint surgeries, he’s reclaimed strength—and now helps others do the same with simple, science-backed practices: mindful walking, trekking-pole workouts, trail cleanups, biking, snorkeling and breathing techniques. On his blog, TrailFit, Dr. Rich shares daily articles, practical tips and workshop

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Who’s Backing Bikes? A Look at the Data, Ride Smarter: What 300+ Studies Reveal

 Who’s Backing Bikes? A Look at the Data, Ride Smarter: What 300+ Studies Reveal, From Streets to Studies: Why Bikes Matter

PeopleForBikes has compiled a comprehensive collection of research studies across various topics related to bicycling. Here's a summary of the topics, the number of studies associated with each, and the organizations and governments involved:​


📊 Research Topics and Study Counts

TopicNumber of Studies
Health46
Electric Bicycles41
Transportation38
Infrastructure24
Policy22
Safety22
Recreation17
Participation15
eMTB14
Economy11
Sustainability10
Youth9
Accessibility6
Inclusion6
Bike Share3

🏛️ Organizations and Government Involvement

PeopleForBikes.org serves as a vital hub for research on the impacts and potential of bicycling across health, transportation, sustainability, and beyond. Their database highlights more than 300 studies, grouped by themes such as Health (46 studies), Electric Bicycles (41), Transportation (38), Safety (22), and Infrastructure (24), offering a strong evidence base for advocacy and innovation.

This research is backed by collaborations with major institutions and agencies:

  • U.S. Department of Transportation: Supports transportation safety and infrastructure initiatives, particularly related to protected bike lanes and multimodal networks.

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Involved in health-related research demonstrating the public health benefits of regular cycling, from reduced obesity rates to improved mental health.

  • State and Local Governments: Cities like Portland, Minneapolis, and Austin contribute local data and fund pilot programs for protected lanes, bike-share systems, and educational outreach.

  • Universities: Academic powerhouses such as Portland State University and UC Davis produce peer-reviewed research on everything from e-bike adoption to urban planning for bikeable communities.

  • Nonprofits: Groups like the League of American Bicyclists and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy amplify these findings through advocacy, promoting safer and more inclusive cycling policies.

  • Industry Leaders: Companies like Trek, SRAM, and Specialized contribute resources to study rider behavior, technological innovation, and bike accessibility.

The website also documents real-world outcomes, like how bike commuting increases workplace productivity, reduces emissions, and strengthens local economies. Additionally, the research informs better urban design, inclusive participation, and improved safety policies.

To explore the full set of studies and organizations involved, visit:
https://www.peopleforbikes.org/research


Wheels of Change
By the Data We Ride

Pedals turn with purpose wide,
On bike paths where the studies guide.
From city lanes to rural roads,
The evidence in silence flows.

Health improves with every spin,
A stronger heart, a clearer grin.
E-bikes surge with growing might,
Changing transit, day and night.

Governments and labs unite,
Mapping routes and traffic light.
Industry and schools align,
To build a cycling future fine.

With every chart and stat reviewed,
A better world is being renewed.
So ride the proof, the numbers sing—
On two wheels, we rise, take wing.


Explore more research at:
https://www.peopleforbikes.org/research

Data in the Spokes

Wheels roll forward, silent and true,
Carrying facts in every view.
From heartbeats calm to cleaner skies,
Each ride reflects where research lies.

E-bikes hum through busy towns,
Lifting burdens, cutting downs.
Policy grows from quiet stats,
Pushed by pedals, maps, and chats.

Doctors, planners, brands all share
A vision fueled by local care.
From youth to seniors, work to play,
The numbers show a brighter way.

So ride informed, let reason steer—
The path is paved, the future clear.


That’s the vision of Healthy UpRising—where healthcare includes breath, bike paths, food growing, and emotional healing; where education includes the arts, nature, and purpose. Explore reflections, resources, and ideas at:
https://healthyuprising-dro.blogspot.com/

inspiring biking mayor of Emeryville California:
https://youtu.be/FlVWv9O0qQ4?si=HDA-ThnrDEJQ4THL

Moving Through the Weight: Walking, Biking & Swimming

We all carry weight—physical, emotional, or mental. Movement can help lighten it—not just on the scale, but in the heart and mind.

Walking is simple and grounding. Go at your own pace. Each step forward is strength—not something to compare or rush.

Biking brings freedom and fun. It's easy on joints and invites exploration. You don’t need hills or speed to enjoy the ride—just consistency and breath.

Swimming supports and soothes. The water helps you move without strain and leaves space to feel strong, free, and unjudged.

It’s not about pace, stats, or appearance. The process is the progress. Just showing up is enough.

To all walking, riding, or swimming through their own weight—you are an inspiration.

🗂 Table of Contents Blog : www.Trailfit.net

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