Federal money spent on bicyclists & pedestrians in the upper Midwest generates huge returns

In conjunction with the National Bike Summit, which wrapped up yesterday in Washington, D.C., the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) released state-by-state factsheets detailing how federal money has served bicyclists and pedestrians. They make for interesting reading. LAB breaks down this spending -- a mere 1.5 percent of the federal transportation budget -- by congressional district, too.

Here's a snapshot of what the money has meant in the upper Midwest. :

Illinois

Illinois receives nearly $26.1 million from the federal government that goes toward 132 biking and walking projects per year, according to LAB's estimate. The money comes through the Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to Schools and Recreational Trails programs.

That investment has generated an astounding $268,850,000 in revenue and 2,888 jobs, mostly at bike shops throughout the state, according to LAB.

Iowa

LAB says Iowa has turned an annual federal investment of $12.2 million in an average of 71 biking and walking projects into more than $82.2 million in annual gross revenue and 890 jobs.

Michigan

More than $22.3 million spent on 88 bike/ped projects per year in Michigan has helped generate $211,643,000 and nearly 2,300 jobs.

Minnesota

Nearly $17 million spent in Minnesota on 48 bike/ped projects annually paid for itself with $144.6 million in revenue and the creation of 1,570 jobs.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin received an average of $13.1 million, funding about 57 bike/ped projects per year. The return on that investment exceeded $157 million and 1,712 jobs.