Economic Impact of Mountain Biking

Cuyuna Crosby, Minnesota

Agenda
Introduction to IMBA
Value of Singletrack Trails
Economics of $ingletrack Trails
Creating Destinations
Questions

Stairway to Heaven Copper Harbor, MI

IMBAs mission is to protect, create, and

enhance quality trail experiences for
mountain bikers worldwide.
Lake Fairfax, VA

Why Trails?
Saves Money and Improves
the Environment
Economic Revitalization
Community Transformation
Safe Surroundings for
Active Lifestyles

Levis Mounds - Wisconsin

Saves Money and Improves the Environment

Saves money by increasing the efficient use of public space,

reducing the need for costly infrastructure, and improving the
health of the community.
Improves the environment by reducing the impact of pollution
and noise, limiting greenhouse gases, and improving the quality
of public spaces.
Lowes Creek Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Trails Revitalize

Copper Harbor Trails Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan

Trails boost the economy by creating a community that is attractive for new
residents, tourists and businesses.

Community Transformation

Grand Rapids Bike Park Grand Rapids, MI

Well designed trails can transform community from an abstract idea into a real
place.

Safe Surroundings for Active Lifestyles

Colonnade - Seattle, WA

Trails promote health and fitness by providing safe surroundings for families to
enjoy active lifestyles

Community Benefit of Single Track Trails

Every $1 Invested in Trails Leads to Almost $3 in Direct

Medical Benefit

Trails Provide Healthy and Safe Access to the Outdoors

In Southern Missouri 55% Trail Users are Exercising More

Than Before They had Access to a Trail

Japanese Researchers Found That Having Access to Green

Spaces Positively Influenced the Longevity of Older Citizens
in Big Cities
Rail to Trails Conservancy

Mountain Biking By The Numbers

More Than 1 in 5 Americans 16 and Over Mountain Bike
(Over 50 Million People Total)
By Number of Outings, Biking is the Favorite Outdoor
Activity of American Kids age 6-17
There are 1 1/2 Times More Mountain Bikers than Golfers in
America
The Voting Strength of Mountain Bikers is More Than 1 1/3
the Voting Strength of Americans Age 65 and Over

Economic Impact of Singletrack Trails

IMBA Member Profile

Male (86%)
37 years old (Median)
71% college or postgraduate degree
$62,000 Household Income
(Median)
$75,000 + Household
Income (33%)

Patapsco Valley State Park, MD

The South Atlantic Bicycling Economy

DE, DC, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, VA, WV
(OIF, 2006)

Contributes $11.3 billion to the region

Supports 135,000 jobs
Generates more than $1.6 billion annual state and federal tax
revenues
Produces nearly $9.6 billion in retail sales and services
$1.4 billion in bicycling gear and services
$8.2 billion in bicycling trip-related expenditures
The region is home to over 10 million bicyclists 25% of adult
population
Arcadia Dunes - Michigan

Outdoor Recreation Contributes $730 Billion to

the U.S. Economy
(OIF, 2006)

Trail sports (including biking, hiking and wildlife viewing) represent

three of the most popular outdoor recreation activities with over
182 million participants.

(OIF, 2006)

Biking and trail

sports are two of the
most popular
outdoor activities in
Virginia.
(OIF, 2006)

Choose Your Own Adventure

Cottage Grove, MN

Local Resource

World-Class Destination

Sliding Scale of Asset Value

Building Community Trail Systems

Lebanon Hills Twin Cities, Minnesota

Develop Sustainable Singletrack Trails

vs.

Hickory Ridge Bloomer, Wisconsin

Sign the Trails Well

Copper Harbor, Michigan

Sustainable Trails

A sustainable trail allows users to enjoy a natural area

with:
Minimal impact to the ecosystem (Environmental)
Minimal user conflict (Social)
Minimal maintenance (Economic)
VASA Singletrack Traverse City, MI

The Barrier for Entry

Castle Rock, CO

North Augusta, GA

Madison, WI

Promote Trails for Cyclists of All Abilities

North Conway, New Hampshire

Chequamegon Trails - Wisconsin

Best Practices for Being a Destination

The Rock

Destination Mountain Biking

Travel Patterns of Destination Mountain Bikers*

80% take at least one

mountain biking trip/year
(1 or more nights)

4.6 nights average length

of stay

45% prefer to camp

Bloomer, Wisconsin

45% prefer bed and

breakfasts or inns

*Outdoor Industry Association 2002 Participation Study

8% prefer hotels

What Do Mountain Bikers Look For?

1. Variety and Difficulty

of Terrain
2. Number of Trail Miles
3. Scenery
4. Reputation
Duluth, MN

Destination Mountain Biking

Get Local Business Support

Advertise Other Area Amenities

Further Reading
Outdoor Industry Association Data
Great Alleghany Passage Trail
Virginia Creeper Trail
Oregon Tourism Report on Mountain Biking
IMBA

Thank You!

Levis Mounds - Wisconsin

Ryan Delaney
IMBA Associate Regional Director
Ryan.Delaney@IMBA.com