The Economic Impact of Bicycling in Minnesota
Bicycling produces net benefits for individuals and society, but a comprehensive effort to quantify the economic impact of bicycling in Minnesota has not been made. The benefits of bicycling are realized widely across industry sectors and could tell a compelling story to support efforts to promote bicycling-related activities and infrastructure. The following is a list of areas where bicycling produces positive economic ...more »
Bicycling produces net benefits for individuals and society, but a comprehensive effort to quantify the economic impact of bicycling in Minnesota has not been made. The benefits of bicycling are realized widely across industry sectors and could tell a compelling story to support efforts to promote bicycling-related activities and infrastructure. The following is a list of areas where bicycling produces positive economic impacts:
Tourism: dollars imported through participation in bicycling activities such as multi-day tours, races, and visits to destination trails
Employment: jobs and tax revenue generated through bicycle-related manufacturing and retail; secondary employment such as hotel and restaurant growth in areas of high bicycling activity
Health: decreased short-term health care costs resulting from higher physical activity levels; long-term societal savings due to increased physical fitness among workers and health care consumers
Transportation: potential for reduced congestion and improved air quality resulting for increased rates of commuter bicycling
Quality of Life: potential to attract employers to the state and retain employees due to availability of cycling infrastructure
Recreation: trip expenditures and equipment purchases made by Minnesotans who bike recreationally
This study would quantify the impact of bicylcing to these sectors in Minnesota and document the level of economic impact bicycling activity produces in this state by sector and as a whole.
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