Trails that Transform: The Economic Impact of Bicycle Tourism September 2016 Economic Growth Summit
Alta Planning + Design Nation s leading team of bicycle, pedestrian, greenways, and trails planning and design professionals 175 + planners, designers, engineers Implementation of over 8,000 miles of greenways, bikeways, walkways and trails Cutting edge international, national and local research Experts in innovative solutions Creating active communities where bicycling and walking are safe, healthy, fun, and normal daily activities.
What is Bicycle Tourism? Travel for which the use of a bicycle is an important part of the visit 3 main categories: Road Cycling Mountain Biking Themed Bike Tours
What is Bicycle Tourism? Road cyclists categorized by distance: Day Riders Adventure Riders Through Riders - Destination driven - Diverse options - Multi-stage rides - Regional rides - Unique experiences - More than just the ride - Somewhat self-sufficient - Long distance
What is Bicycle Tourism? Mountain Bikers categorized by type: Day Riders Downhill/Gravity Riders Hut to Hut Riders - Trail Driven - Frequent same trails - Require specialized downhill bike courses - Long Distance - Frontcountry to backcountry
What is Bicycle Tourism? Themed tours categorized by type: Food/Wine Cultural/ Historical Tours Scenic/ Environmental/ Geologic Clinics/Training
Who are the Cycle Tourist? - Cycling is the 2 nd most popular recreational activity in the US. - 85.6 million US cyclists making 3.1 billion annual outings - Recreational Cyclists have a $60,000+ median annual income. - Cycling generates 1.1 million jobs. - Cyclists generate $17.7 billion in taxes annually. - $47 billion in bicycle tourism related sales annually.
What is Bicycle Tourism? Bicyclists spend more than drivers Source: Kelly J. Clifton, Sara Morrissey, and Chloe Ritter (2012) Business Cycles: Catering to the Bicycling Market. Businesses increase retail sales Source: NYC DOT (2012) Measuring the Street: New Metrics for 21 st Century Streets.
What is Bicycle Tourism?
What is Bicycle Tourism? $1 Million creates: - 11.4 jobs for bicycle infrastructure projects or - 7.8 jobs for traditional road projects
What will $30M buy? One mile of Street Widening
What will $30M buy? 600 miles of quality bike lanes
What will $30M buy? 20 miles of physically separated cycle tracks
What will $30M buy? 30 miles of bike trails
What do Cycle Tourist Want? High quality facilities and experiences
What do Cycle Tourist Want? Scenery
What do Cycle Tourist Want? Inviting Atmosphere/Sense of Place
What do Cycle Tourist Want? All Riders Want: Loops (preferably multiple) Roads/Trails for various skill levels Destinations and niche amenities Bike shops, Guide services, Sag wagons Secure bike storage at destinations, Bike wash Quality food and drink (Quantity and quality) Good and predictable weather Information: - Maps, Brochures, Wayfinding signage, Websites, - Attraction info, Bike shop locations, Lodging info
What do Cycle Tourist Want? Connections to Amenities Campaigns Events Brochures/maps Etc.
What are the Benefits? 62% of new transplants in Portland said the city s bike-friendliness was a factor in their decision to move
What are the Benefits? Adding 300 miles of greenway in North Carolina would result in: $64M increase in property values 1,600 jobs $174M generated for state economy $76M annual health care cost reduction $68M increase in visitor spending 40% increase in walk/bike tourism
What are the Benefits? - Affordable and economically viable - Diversification of tourism options more is better - Small business development Bike shops, Tour guides, Events, Training - Local business revenue Restaurants, Lodging, Retail - Benefits for permanent residents Bike paths/routes, Trails, Signage, Waysides
Where has it Worked? Outer Banks, NC Augusta, GA Asheville, NC Chattanooga, TN Greenville, SC Hilton Head, SC
Swamp Rabbit Trail 1888-1993 Swamp Rabbit Train active 1997-1998 RailTex files for abandonment. Citizens and the Chamber of Commerce ask County Council to preserve the rail corridor 1999 Greenville Co. Economic Development Corporation (GCEDC) formed to buy the rail corridor for the County. 2006 After 7 years, lawsuit by adjacent business, rail and ties salvaged to pay legal fees, GCEDC enters into a management agreement with Greenville County Recreation District (GCRD) 2007 Passage of a county hospitality tax for recreation and tourism generates $2 Million for the Swamp Rabbit. As a leader in promoting community health the Greenville Hospital System partners with us for $1 million. Construction starts on the Greenville Hospital System Swamp Rabbit Tram Trail.
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Regional Trails Wake County NC
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Swamp Rabbit Trail probably the single most important thing that s happened to the city of Travelers Rest in years. Mayor Wayne McCall
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Swamp Rabbit Trail Increases in sales/ revenue ranging from 10% to as high as 85%. 25% of users from out of town. 12% using for transportation.
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Swamp Rabbit Trail http://greenvillerec.com/studies-surveys/ GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail History Three years of impact studies Trail right of way and easement examples Best practices for trail development Comprehensive greenways master plan Trail safety fact sheet Greenways project budget estimator Trailhead information and kiosk designs GPATS transportation survey Event planning guide Link to support the Swamp Rabbit Trail
Alta Planning + Design Greenville 864.605.3980 blakesanders@altaplanning.com