The importance of bicycling to tourism

The League of American Bicyclists, in their report The Economic Benefits of Bicycle Infrastructure Investments (2009), looks at the economic benefits of the bicycling industry and related tourism. On the national level, the bicycling industry contributes $133 billions a year to the US Economy- it supports 1.1 million jobs, generates 17.7 billion in federal, local and state taxes and $46.9 billion on meals, transportation, lodging and entertainment during bike tours.

The following is an article by Lisa Fickenscher in Crain’s New York Business (a subscription-based publication):

“The TD Bank Five Boro Bike Tour, the largest bicycling event in the country, has become so popular that for the first time in its 34-year history, riders will have to enter a lottery to participate in next year’s tour.

That isn’t the only change cyclists can expect.

Bike New York, which produces the annual tour, has been studying the ING New York City Marathon’s model, picking up a few other ideas that will attract more out-of-town participants and make the event more impactful. To that end, the organization is producing its first ever bike expo and even developing a bike tour on the Caribbean island of Jamaica. A tiny nonprofit with 12 staffers, Bike New York is riding the wave of enthusiasm for the sport—in part sparked by the city, which has added more than 250 miles of bike lanes since 2006 and is set to launch a 10,000-bike share program next summer.”

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