Report: San Francisco only West Coast city in active transportation Top 10

San Francisco is the only county outside of the East Coast to make the top 10 for trips taken via active transportation, according to a new report from Streetlight.

The share is based on total trips undertaken by walking, biking or vehicle, according to StreetLight’s data. It does not include transit trips. By focusing on mode share, rather than total trip volumes, StreetLight highlights the role walking and biking are playing in daily travel patterns, as compared to vehicle trips taken, the report states. This report ranks every county in the United States in 2023. 

Among the report’s findings is the geographic clustering of high active mode share counties in the Northeast and especially the East Coast. But San Francisco stands out on the West Coast, with data showing 22% walk and 5% bike, earning it the No. 7 spot.

The analysis shows that population density is positively correlated to share of active transportation activity.  Some counties within the top 30  —  including San Francisco — overperform for active transportation mode share based on population density.

Data for other Bay Area counties:

• Alameda: 13% walking, 3% biking
• Contra Costa: 11% walking, 2% biking
• Marin: 12% walking, 2% biking
• Napa: 10% walking, 2% biking
• Santa Clara: 12% walking, 2% biking
• San Mateo: 12% walking, 2% biking
• Solano: 9% walking, 1% biking
• Sonoma: 10% walking, 1% biking

The Northern California counties of Santa Cruz and Yolo placed in the Top 30, with college populations contributing to the active transportation numbers, according to the report.

MTC works hard to increase walking and biking options across our region — so that more people can make more trips without using a car.

California’s Active Transportation Program (ATP) draws both state and federal funds to provide a total of about $320 million each year for bike and pedestrian projects across California.

The program allows cities, counties, transit agencies and other public agencies to compete for grants to build bicycle/pedestrian paths, install bike racks, and pay for other projects or programs that make walking or biking easier, safer and more convenient.