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Bicycling: A big economic impact on Missouri

Submitted by Brent Hugh on Sat, 04/06/2013 - 5:58pm

Bicycle and Pedestrian Day at the the Capitol in Jefferson City is Monday, April 8th.  Below is information we have compiled to share with our legislators.

Bicycling and walking are surprisingly large sources of strength in Missouri's economy. 

Two million Missourians bicycle annually

  • About 2 million Missourians are regular bicyclists, at least once per month during good weather
    • 80% of those are casual/occasional bicyclists
    • 20% are frequent bicyclists
  • The amount of bicycling in Missouri is growing rapidly—for example, the amount of bicycle commuting in Missouri nearly tripled from 2000 to 2010.  This increase in bicycling is happening across the state, from large metro areas to rural areas.
  • Discouraging bicycling means discouraging economic development. People want to live and companies want to locate in communities where people can safely bicycle and walk. Creating non-standard rules and regulations that discourage bicycling sends a strong message: Bicyclists are not welcome here.

Bicycling is a billion dollar industry in Missouri

Even with the minimal attention we currently pay to bicycling and walking in Missouri, bicycling and trails in Missouri generate:

  • Outdoor recreation is one of the largest economic sectors in the U.S.  Bicycling is the second largest component of the sector (see graphs on reverse)
  • $950 million in annual retail sales in Missouri
  • $1.2 billion in total economic activity and 14,365 jobs in Missouri
  • $79 million in state tax revenue in Missouri
  • Missouri’s 120 bike shops—small, locally owned businesses--are but a small part of this—less than $200 million in Missouri.  Bicycling is an important component of the state’s travel, recreation, health, and transportation sectors. Bicycle travel and tourism benefit hotels, restaurants, sporting goods, clothing, other retail, tourism-related businesses, and more.

Bicycling and walking are Missouri tourism staples

  • Missouri has seven cross-state national bicycle routes—the most of any state.
  • Thousands of out-of-state bicyclists travel through Missouri on these cross-state bicycle routes each year, spending an average of $200/day and 4-6 days crossing Missouri.
  • Bicycling and trails provide sustainable growth in rural communities.
  • The Katy Trail has 400,000 visitors annually from all 50 states and $18.6 million annual economic impact (2012 DNR Study).
  • 4.3% of Missouri tourists bicycle or hike--more than boat or golf and about the same as gambling and nightlife.

Outdoor Recreation is an Overlooked Economic Giant

The Active Outdoor Recreation Economy is big business. It ranks alongside and even dwarfs other major economic sectors in the U.S., such as telecommunications, hospitals and motion pictures and videos. Conservatively, the outdoor recreational economy represents $733 billion annually in all sectors of the U.S. economy from manufacturing to retail to real estate to food services. Missouri's natural beauty makes outdoor recreation a natural fit.

 

 

Click for full-sized image.

For More Information

To learn more, contact Missouri Bicycle Federation Executive Director Brent Hugh, 816-695-6736 or director@mobikefed.org

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