Cycling is usually discussed as important for personal or public health or easing traffic congestion and area pollution, but what of a simple economic argument?  Here are a few points to consider how increased bicycle riding adds an estimated $2.6 billion to the area economy, prepared by a Portland, Oregon economist. 

* Driving less saves the region $1.1 billion in out-of-pocket expenses that come with car ownership, such as gas, parking and auto maintenance and repair.  That amounts to about 1.5% of all personal income earned in the metro area in 2005. * If a commuting motorist spends 100 fewer hours a year behind the wheel, they save $1.5 billion in time spent traveling. Here's a clipped version of the story and a link to the full story for you to review:
Less driving is more cash for Portland: Urban living - The metro area saves on mileage, a study finds, and mostly uses it to fill the local economy's tank
Monday, August 20, 2007
DYLAN RIVERA The Oregonian Staff

Because Portland-Vancouver drivers log 20 percent fewer miles a day than most U.S. urban dwellers and spend less on cars and gasoline as a result, the region's economy saves $2.6 billion a year, or about 3 percent of the area's annual economic output, according to a new study for the Chicago-based CEOs for Cities.

And most of that money, which otherwise would go to far-flung car makers and oil companies, appears to go instead to housing, entertainment and food in the Portland-area economy.

"It stimulates local businesses rather than rewarding Exxon or Toyota," says the five-page report titled "Portland's Green Dividend" and authored by Portland economist Joe Cortright.

And here's the link to the full story:

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1187576751202450.xml&coll=7