Evaluating Bicycle-sharing Program Impact

A recent analysis by the Urban Transportation Research Institute found that cities that invested in public bicycle-sharing programs experienced a 40% increase in bicycle usage over a three-year period. Furthermore, the analysis indicated that these cities also saw a 25% decrease in urban traffic congestion. However, critics argue that these findings may not fully account for the broader trend of rising bicycle usage across many urban areas due to factors unrelated to bicycle-sharing programs, such as a general increase in health consciousness and urban redesign aimed at fostering cycling.

Basing your understanding on this analysis, which of the following conclusions can be drawn if the critic's point is considered?