Bicycle Touring Provides Economic Boost

The following information about bicycle touring and bike trails confirms what most of us already knew:

Bikers enjoy the fall colors on the
Great Allegheny Passage trail.

There is growing evidence that touring cyclists spend more time in the towns that they visit, lingering (and spending) more than the average tourist. Wisconsin released a report earlier this year that out-of-state cyclists generate more than $530 million in economic development annually. And according to a 2008 study done along the Great Allegheny Passage (a nearly 150-mile bike trail situated between Cumberland, Maryland, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), bicycle tourism has become a major economic force. Business owners reported that a quarter of their gross income comes from trail users and two-thirds of the businesses saw an increase in their revenue due to their location on the trail. Despite the economic downturn in 2008, businesses saw an increase in gross revenue attributable to the trail (from $32.6 million in 2007 to $40.6 million in 2008) and paid nearly 20% more wages as a result.


This information is especially pertinent in light of the recent attacks on bike trail funding from organizations such as AAA. This shows that an investment in bike trails will be repaid many times over in health benefits, decreased pollution, stronger families and economic benefits.


For more information about the Route 66 Adventure Cycle Route, check out Adventure Cycling's press release.

Bicycle Touring Provides Economic Boost

Bicycle Travel on the Rise

Active travel in general and bicycle travel specifically is on the rise. More people are choosing to jump on rail-trails or pedal the highways & byways of this country rather than lounging around the pool or zipping by the monuments and mountains in their cars.

Looking down on the C & O Canal Towpath trail from
the Western Maryland Rail Trail.

Recent press releases from Adventure Cycling Association and various outdoor tourism blogs have cited some incredibly heartening trends in the travel industry:

• Despite the recession & high unemployment, active travel tour companies are seeing an increase in visitor traffic and, in some cases, they're having record years.
• In addition to private travel companies, states and municipalities are seeing an increase in bicycle-related visits and, as a result, many are increasing their marketing toward the active travelers.
• More communities are beginning to add infrastructure such as trails and lodging to attract bicyclists.
• U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray  LaHood seems to be a big supporter of bicycling and other modes of alternative transportation.
• The Rail-Trail network continues to expand in both potential (new land acquired) and in trail miles.
• The U.S. is seeing an increased influx of travelers from other countries who travel here specifically to utilize the rail-trails.

None of this is surprising or new to me. I spend vast amounts of time on the trail all throughout the United States. I see more and more people of all ages, shapes, and backgrounds riding their bikes on our network of rail-trails.

As I talk to people, I notice a fairly equal mix. About half of them are locals, out enjoying the fresh air and exercise. The other half are travelers who specifically planned their vacation around one or more rail trail. Some of them are U.S. citizens and others come from around the world. These people stay in local hotels, eat at local restaurants, and buy souvenirs in local stores. In other words, they are helping to boost the local economy. And in every instance, they are friendly, kind, and caring people. They are truly interested in their health, the outdoors, and the local culture; they are just the type of tourists every town dreams of.

But don't take my word for it. Get out on a trail; talk to your fellow trail-users. You will enjoy both the  outdoor experience and the social experience.

Bicycle Travel on the Rise