Bike infrastructure boosts local economy

Today's email brought this article about the economic impact of funding bike infrastructure.  Turns out that supporting bicyclists by providing bike lanes and racks increases local traffic to businesses.  I suppose if you're not spending $8,000 a year on a second car, you're buying more stuff from the business you can get to by your bike.  I was surprised to see how much money bike tourism brings to Iowa, however.   And yes, that $8000 a year for a car is the AAA number for the average cost per car in America including gas, depreciation, repairs, insurance and accessories.