There are some indicators that this may be true. However, they may also be anecdotal.

The first indicator is a drop in vehicles for 2009. The Earth Policy Institute released a study reflecting 14 million cars were scrapped during 2009 while only 10 million were purchased. This means there are 4 million less cars out there. Keep in mind in the United States the statistic is 5 cars for every 4 drivers, however, 4 million less cars is still going the right direction.

The second indicator may actually be more telling even though it is a much smaller chunk of evidence. In the Upper West Side of New York City, they will be converting 240 parking meters into bicycle racks! The community board voted to make the change after local businesses said they wanted the 185,000 cyclists in the city visiting their shops and restaurants. This is definitely going to encourage bike riders, however, it may not add to the number of riders already out there. We will have to wait and see. What I like is the simple encouragement to ride a bike. People who might not normally ride a bike may now think of the added parking convenience.

To find out more about NYC and the bike racks, follow the related link below.