Two studies released this week — one in Iowa and the other in bike-friendly Boulder — once again prove that bicycling is good for local economies.
The new studies support similar reports from Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and elsewhere that bicyclists are capable of opening their wallets and spreading around some cash, sometimes at a jaw-dropping rate.
The Iowa report finds that recreational bicycling creates nearly $365 million in direct or indirect economic benefit to the state; $1 million a day. Bicycle commuting adds another $54 million a year.
In Boulder, with a population of 90,000, a study determined that bicycling is a $52 million a year industry; $1 million a week.
Justify bicycling projects
Any business segment that's responsible for $1 million a week to a city
or $1 million day to a state should get the attention of local
lawmakers. They should want to keep those wheels of industry rolling
with better trails, bike lanes and other supportive programs.
That's been the case in Boulder, which the League of American Bicyclists recognized with a platinum level for bicycle-friendliness.
Previously, Wisconsin discovered that bicycling pumped an amazing $1.5 billion in the economy every year. On a smaller scale, the bicyclists using two trails in Pennsylvania — the Great Allegheny Passage and the Pine Creek Trail — added $40 million and $5 million to $7 million annually to local economies.
Iowa
The Iowa report, “Economic and Health Benefits of Bicycling in Iowa,” was commissioned by the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. Executive director Mark Wyatt said:
“It’s people spending money on bicycle gear and equipment, and it’s people taking trips and enjoying unique trails, or having the opportunity for hotel stays, and things like that that really add up in dollars very quickly.”
One event, RAGBRAI (Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) is estimated to pump $16.9 million into the economy.
The $365 million annually from recreational cyclists buying equipment and spending for food and lodging doesn't include the estimated $73 million that the state saves annually in health care costs for this group.
Meanwhile, Iowa bike commuters save an additional $13 million in health care costs.
Boulder
In Boulder, the bicycle industry contributes $52 million in sales and 330 full-time jobs, according to a report by Community Cycles, a local nonprofit. The report was based on surveys of 41 businesses in 2011.
According to the Daily Camera:
“Community Cycles found that bike-related retail, rental and repair shops supported 214 jobs and generated more than $24.4 million in revenue in 2010, while manufacturing supported 13 jobs and generated $10.4 million in sales.
“Education and advocacy organizations supported 48 jobs and generated $7.9 million in revenue, and miscellaneous groups supported 55 jobs and generated more than $9.5 million in revenue.”
Worthwhile studies
Are these studies easy to conduct? I doubt it. But it seems they could create their own economic impact for local bicycle advocates trying to find support for funding.
It could prove to those who control public funds in many communities that bicycling has a major economic impact that would grow with more money spent on bicycling safety projects.
See also:
Bicycling has big economic impact in Wisconsin
Rail to trail bike travel provides economic stimulus
Build it and they will come and spend; Pennsylvania's Pine Creek Rail Trail.
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