For his thesis, a University of Denver graduate student analyzed economic and traffic changes along stretches of Larimer and 15th streets following the installation of protected bicycle lanes. He collected and analyzed traffic and transit ridership data along the streets, measured changes in sales tax revenue along the two corridors, and compared them to similar streets without bikeways.  Four broad conclusions emerged from the project:

1. Denver shows untapped potential for increasing the bicycle mode share, especially when bike trips are combined with transit trips.

2. Bicycle facilities are correlated with statistically significant positive economic impacts for local businesses and do not have negative impacts.

3. Protected bike lanes improve overall safety for all users and encourage more bicyclists to use the facility.

4. Protected bike lanes increase overall bicycle traffic, while simultaneously decreasing the number of traffic violations and sidewalk riding counts.

www