Economic & Health Benefits of Bicycling in Iowa

This study identifies the economic and health impacts of bicycling in Iowa.

by Iowa Bicycle Coalition

This study identifies the economic and health impacts of bicycling in Iowa. Impacts are estimated based on spending by individual cyclists, bicycle specific retail sales, economic activity generated by bicycle organizations, and health cost savings in the State of Iowa. The study is based on primary data collected from individual cyclists, bicycle specific retail operators and bicycle organizations. Health impacts are based on selected primary and secondary data detailed in the methodology. This study presents:

A profile of the commuter and recreational cyclists in Iowa (party and trip characteristics, spending, and demographic profiles);
A profile of bicycle retail establishments in Iowa;
A profile of bicycle organizations in Iowa; and
A profile of the health benefits and health savings from cycling in Iowa.

The data for the study were collected using three questionnaires that were distributed to bicycle riders, bicycle- specific retail businesses and bicycle organizations in Iowa during the fall of 2011. The U.S. Census and Iowa Department of Transportation statistics were utilized to estimate the number of bicycle riders. Health statistics were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Attached document published September 2011

About the Author

The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is an exciting organization working to promote Iowa cycling as safe and enjoyable recreation and transportation. The 501(c)(3) non-profit group was launched by bicycling advocates from across Iowa and will unite the voices of road riders, mountain bikers, recreation riders, commuters, and anyone else who prefers a bicycle for recreation and transportation.

Visit Iowa Bicycle Coalition

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