Can Bicycles Solve America's Obesity Crisis? Trek CEO Says Yes

The United States faces a significant public health challenge: 42% of Americans are obese. Trek Bicycle CEO John Burke believes that cycling can be a significant part of the solution. In a recent interview with Fortune, Burke argued that the government should take a more active role in promoting cycling, similar to its successful efforts to reduce smoking and drunk driving. "I think bicycling in the United States is important for a bunch of different reasons," Burke stated. "Number one is just exercise." He further noted that in the US, only 1.5% of trips are taken by bicycle, compared to 25% in the Netherlands. This disparity highlights the potential for significant improvement in public health through increased cycling adoption. By investing in cycling infrastructure and encouraging cycling as a mode of transportation, the government could contribute significantly to improving the health and well-being of the American public, potentially reducing healthcare costs in the long run.