Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
AARP

As Baby Boomers Age, They Take Their Foot Off the Gas

false

They may be remembered as the driving-est generation. Baby Boomers, who came of age in the heyday of suburbia, have always driven more than any other generation. At the height of their driving years, boomers averaged 51 miles per day. They continue to drive 17 percent more than all other age groups, according to a recent report from AARP.

But in 2009, for the first time since the National Household Travel Survey began asking Americans about their transportation habits, in 1969, driving declined among all age groups. And it was the second time the survey showed less driving among boomers, who are reaching retirement age, a period of life that typically coincides with decreased driving.

Which has everyone watching and wondering: How will the huge number of Americans in this age bracket respond to retirement? If boomers continue to drive less, which seems likely, that will have huge ramifications for American transportation policy.

One immediate implication is clear: If boomers drive less, and younger people continue to drive less, overall mileage per capita will continue to decline, as we've seen in recent years. This would mean that current transportation modeling, which predicts steadily increasing traffic volumes until the end of time, is woefully misguided.

The Associated Press, in a story on the AARP study, seized on this idea:

If boomers stop commuting in large numbers, will rush hours ease? As age erodes their driving skills, will there be a greater demand for more public transportation, new business models that cater to the home-bound or automated cars that drive themselves?

AARP says more time is needed to tell what the long-term trend will be. In the meantime, there are a few encouraging signs. The 2009 travel survey showed more boomers are making use of local buses and trains. And boomers are bicycling more as well; the AARP reports this generation's share of bike trips increased 64 percent between 2001 and 2009.

Cutting against the these promising trends: AARP is also pretty certain seniors will remain in the suburbs, "where many of them have lived their entire lives," and thinks smart cars hold promise for keeping aging drivers on the road longer. The organization has also joined with Transportation for America to call upon transit agencies to better serve suburban seniors who may otherwise be stuck at home.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

The Next Mayor Can Unlock Easy Transportation Wins … If He Wants

Eric Adams's negligence can be the next mayor's easy wins.

July 21, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: Canal Conundrum Edition

Drivers are killing us on Canal Street. Does anyone at City Hall care? Plus other news.

July 21, 2025

Cyclist Badly Hurt on Segment of McGuinness Blvd. That Mayor Adams Refused to Make Safe

As predicted, a cyclist was badly hurt along a portion of McGuinness Boulevard that was supposed to be made safer for biking — until the Adams administration watered down a plan to do just that.

July 20, 2025

New Bill Would Block Apps From Deactivating Workers Without Cause

A Brooklyn Council member wants delivery app companies to be more human and less robot.

July 18, 2025

Friday Video: Is Berlin a Great Biking City?

Have recent moves by anti-bike, pro-car legislators ruined the experience in the capital of a unified Germany? Sort of!

July 18, 2025

Eyes on the Street: Meeker Avenue Bike Lane Is a Failure

The Department of Transportation still hasn't finished a critical bike lane under the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway that the agency has been stalling for over four years even after identifying the strip's danger and lack of proper signals.

July 18, 2025
See all posts