The existence of nearby bike-friendly infrastructure is linked to increases in bicycle commuting, which can help reduce rates of obesity and heart disease. The research carried out by scholars at the University of North Carolina was presented at The Obesity Society's November meeting

The study uses data from Minneapolis, MN where past-decade increases in bicycle commuting have significantly exceeded the national average.  Over the same period, Minneapolis invested in major bicycle infrastructure, including a trans-city, off-road trail system (greenways) linking major residential and employment centers. Using decennial Census (1990, 2000) and American Community Survey (pooled 2007-11) data, the researchers quantified tract-level changes in bicycle commuting with respect to greenway development, while controlling for tract-level covariates, such as socio-demographic indicators and street connectivity.  Analysis of data suggests that municipal infrastructure influences bicycle commuting, which has been inversely associated with weight gain and cardio-metabolic risk.