Active transport networks are a good investment.
A Norwegian study found that the benefit of establishing a coherent network of routes for pedestrians and cyclists is at least five times the costs (Sælensminde 2002). This analysis includes investment and maintenance costs, and benefits in the form of health effects, reduced accidents, travel times and feeling unsafe.
For every dollar invested, you get at least five back in a better community.
Reference: Sælensminde, K. (2002). Gang- og sykkelvegnet i norske byer – Nyttekostnadsanalyser
inkludert helseeffekter og eksterne kostnader av motorisert vegtrafikk, TØI-rapport 567, Transportøkonomisk institutt, Oslo.