The Trust for Public Land and the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) have released a report that highlights the economic benefits of mountain biking, particularly in rural communities. The report emphasizes the importance of trail development and management in boosting local economies, improving community health, and enhancing quality of life.
Key Economic Contributions of Mountain Biking
Mountain biking contributes directly to local economies through tourism spending, employment opportunities, and business development. Indirectly, it benefits residents through increased property values, improved health outcomes, and enhanced community vibrancy. The report notes that the average spending per mountain biking tourist is $416 per visit, with daily expenditures ranging from $103 to $1,107.
- Mountain biking tourists spend an average of $416 per visit, contributing to local businesses like lodging, restaurants, and retail establishments
- Spending-per-visit varies by trail location and type, but ranged from just over $100 to over $1,000 per visit
- Mountain biking trails create employment opportunities: across the 13 locations included in the report, the trail networks generated up to 1,626 jobs and $54.1 million in labor income each year
Economic Benefits of Kingdom Trails in Vermont
Kingdom Trails, based in East Burke, Vermont, generates a $10.3 million economic boost locally by attracting 94,000 visitors each year who drop an average of $176 per day in the community. The report highlights the economic benefits of Vermont’s Kingdom Trails, which is an international mountain bike tourism destination.
| Economic Benefits | Value (Millions) |
|---|---|
| Economic Boost | $10.3 |
| Annual Visitors | 94,000 |
| Average Daily Expenditure | $176 |
Challenges and Solutions
While mountain biking brings economic opportunities, rural communities face challenges in developing and managing trail systems. These challenges include securing suitable land, obtaining funding for construction and maintenance, addressing environmental impacts, and resolving conflicts between trail users, residents, and other stakeholders.
- Equitable access to mountain biking is a crucial consideration. The sport remains predominantly white, male, and affluent, with high costs potentially deterring new participants.
- Specialized equipment for adaptive mountain biking is necessary to ensure inclusivity for people with physical disabilities.
- Public involvement and communication during planning phases are essential to fostering trust and minimizing conflicts.
Broader Community Benefits
Mountain biking improves riders’ physical and mental health, reducing long-term healthcare costs. It promotes cardiovascular health, reduces stress, and enhances mood and life satisfaction. In Northwest Arkansas, mountain biking trails are associated with $8.7 million in avoided healthcare costs annually.
Best Practices for Trail Development
Communities looking to harness the economic benefits of mountain biking should adopt inclusive, well-planned approaches. Key recommendations include:
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with residents, advocacy groups, landowners, planners, and elected officials to ensure community buy-in.
- Infrastructure Connectivity: Connect trails to local assets like Main Streets, public transportation, and other recreational sites to increase accessibility and stimulate local business.
- Baseline Data Collection: Measure economic, demographic, and health conditions before trail development to evaluate outcomes effectively.
- Multi-Sector Partnerships: Work with local land trusts, nonprofits, and federal programs to secure funding and land access while reducing community costs.
- Trail Champions: Identify individuals or groups passionate about trail development to advocate and drive the process.
- Programming and Design: Offer inclusive programs and accessible trail designs to accommodate all demographics and abilities.
The Economic Benefits of Mountain Biking Report
The report, part of the Trust for Public Land’s Green Paper Series, explores the economic impact of mountain biking, particularly in rural communities in the U.S. It emphasizes mountain biking’s ability to boost local economies, improve community health, and enhance quality of life. The report is a compilation and analysis of 50 recent studies and provides valuable insights for communities and advocates looking to develop and manage trail systems.
Conclusion
Mountain biking offers rural communities the chance to diversify their economies, attract new residents, and enhance quality of life. Successful trail systems not only generate direct and indirect economic benefits but also foster social connection, physical health, and environmental stewardship. By adopting inclusive, well-planned approaches and addressing the challenges and solutions, communities can maximize the positive impacts of mountain biking for years to come.
