An extensive review of literature was conducted to ascertain at least a qualitative opinion on the road safety and economic implications of increased bicycle use. The literature suggests three conclusions: 1) although increased bicycle-collisions is associated with increased bicycling, research suggests that this will disappear as bicycle mode split approaches 20% level; 2) total collisions (auto, bike, walk) will decrease as more travel is done by bike and less by private auto, as the number of bicycle-collisions increases more slowly than the number of bicycles; and, 3) much healthier economies and higher benefit/cost ratios will be result from increased and sustained bicycling infrastructure programs.

Although the factors impacting sustainable transport mode shift are multiple, European experience supports limited North American experience on the importance of proper and sustained transportation bicycle infrastructure programs. Governments in North America can learn from the experience of the Dutch government.