Credits: Reuters

It would seem that property values are linked to their proximity to bicycle paths. Two researchers from the University of Cincinnati last month concluded that purchasing a house located next to a bicycle trail comes at a premium. Buyers are willing to pay on average US$9000 more if they're going to be within 1,000 feet (~300 metres)

The study looked at 1,762 houses, worth an average of US$263,517, that were located within 10,000 feet of the "Little Miami Scenic Trail" in the US state of Ohio.

Once again, a clear sign that spending on bicycle paths in times of economic down-turn is by no means a waste of money. It increases property value and in turn the taxes going into the government coffers. A Win-Win for everybody involved. 

Now time for Europe to keep on building the EuroVelo network.

 About the Author

Julian Ferguson is the Communications Officer for the European Cyclists’ Federation. Originally hailing from Australia and a keen bicycle advocate, he plans one day to ride his bicycle from Brussels to Melbourne