The latest release of data from the American Community Survey proves what we already know: more people ride in communities that make strategic investments in bicycling.

So it’s no surprise that League-designated Bicycle Friendly Communities are leading the pack when it comes to biking to work.

And the difference is dramatic. Since 2000, bicycle commuting rates in large BFCs increased 80 percent — far above the national average of 47 percent and more than double the rate in non-BFCs (32 percent).

Click here to download the full data set for bicycle commuters from 1990-2011 for the 70 largest US cities. (Infographic by Nicole Reinertson.)

Because of variance in the sampling techniques, it can be more instructive to look at trends over time than year to year changes. Click here for additional caveats and considerations for interpreting the ACS bike commuter statistics.

Source: BikeLeague