Studies

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published Sep 2018

Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account: Updated Statistics for 2012-2016

Updated statistics from the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account (ORSA) released by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) show that the outdoor recreation economy accounted for 2.2 percent ($412 billion) of current-dollar GDP in 2016 (table 2). In data produced for the first time, using inflation-adjusted (real) GDP, the outdoor recreation economy grew 1.7 percent in 2016, faster than the 1.6 percent growth for the overall U.S. economy (table 6). In addition, real gross output, compensation, and employment all grew faster in outdoor recreation than in the overall economy in 2016.


published Jan 2012

Outdoor Recreation: An Overlooked Economic Giant

In total, 6.1 million American livelihoods directly depend on outdoor recreation, making it a critical economic sector in the United States.


published Nov 2018

Outdoor-Industry Jobs

This study was intended to assess current—and projected—employment levels across these sectors with a particular focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) oriented occupations that require “mid-level” education and skills. This education includes post-high school training but stops short of a bachelor’s degree,3 opening the door to a greater number of students who are not focused exclusively on four-year degrees. The study was also designed to identify employer demand for occupations within these four sectors.


published Apr 2014

Palmetto Trail Statewide Master Plan

by Palmetto Conservation Foundation, Alta Planning + Design

The Palmetto Trail Statewide Master Plan establishes a ten-year vision for completing and expanding the Palmetto Trail from South Carolina's mountains to its coast.


published Mar 2019

Pedal-Assist Mountain Bikes: A Pilot Study Comparison of the Exercise Response, Perceptions, and Beliefs of Experienced Mountain Bikers

This study aimed to compare conventional mountain bike and eMTB use. This was done by investigating 2 questions: (1) What proportion of exercise response is retained for an experienced mountain biker while using an eMTB when compared with a conventional mountain bike? and (2) What are the perceptions and beliefs of experienced mountain bikers toward eMTBs both before and after riding an eMTB?


published Jun 2011

Pedestrian and Bicycling Infrastructure: A National Study of Employment Impacts

This study estimates the employment impacts of building and refurbishing transportation infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians.


published Jun 2001

Pennsylvania Greenways - An Action Plan for Creating Connections

This plan is designed to provide a coordinated and strategic approach to creating connections through the establishment of greenways.


published Oct 2020

Perceptions of Conflict Surrounding Future E-Bike Use on the Arizona Trail

On average, the majority of survey respondents disapprove of e-bikes being allowed on the trail. This remains true across the board for each of the major user groups; however, mountain bike rider respondents are less likely to disapprove of allowing e-bikes on non-motorized trails and equestrian respondents are more likely to disapprove.


published Sep 2001

Perceptions of How the Presence of Greenway Trails Affects the Value of Proximate Properties

This study indicates that multi-use trails are an amenity that helps sell homes, increases property values and improves the quality of life.


published Mar 2010

Physical Activity Facilities Have Economic as Well as Health Benefits

Not only do open spaces, recreation areas, and walkable neighborhoods strongly influence how active people are, they provide fiscal benefits to municipal governments as well as nearby residential property values.