Originally Posted by CrankyOne

The U.S. spends considerably more per capita on healthcare ($8,820/yr in 2013 expected to increase to $10,200 in 2015)) than any other developed (OECD) country and over twice the average of $3,770. For all of our extra spending we have about the lowest life expectancy of all developed countries, high levels of chronic diseases, and lower quality of life. Based on our better healthcare system and low cigarette consumption (and high average wealth?) we should have much lower levels of chronic diseases and higher life expectancy not the opposite. Most attribute this primarily to our lack of physical activity with poor diet second*. Active transportation (bicycling & walking) is largely considered the best option for increasing physical activity among populations in developed nations. It would seem that investing in high quality facilities that invite people to walk and ride bicycles more, particularly for shorter daily errands or going to school, would save much more in healthcare costs than the costs of the facilities.

* Other interesting aspects are; our (U.S.) higher auto fatalities contribute minimally to lower life expectancy but not to chronic diseases, our consumption of cigarrettes is low which increases our life expectancy and lower chronic diseases, our healthcare system is significantly better than other countries (though Germany is close) which also increase life expectancy and lower chronic diseases, our low consumption of wine may decrease our health and lower life expectancy.

Originally Posted by CrankyOne

Homeowners should care about bike paths because they appear to consistently increase the value of homes. As well, over time they should lower other costs including road maintenance and costs for police, fire, ambulance, healthcare and property damage from crashes. If businesses can build smaller parking lots due to some people walking or riding bicycles instead then the costs for these businesses should be lower and theoretically passed on to consumers.