WVU Extension Service Working Paper on how mountain biking and mountain biking facilities can bring an array of benefits to rural communities.
In the U.S., an estimated 50 million people (20% of Americans 16 and over) mountain bike. Mountain biking and mountain biking facilities can bring an array of benefits to rural communities. They leverage communities’ natural assets to create places that are attractive to visitors, businesses, and both new and current residents. Documented benefits include health benefits for local users, increased tourism and economic development opportunities, and benefits to the local environment.
Although communities are often concerned about low wages and the seasonal nature of tourism, data suggest that recreation opportunities can generate significant economic impacts. There are multiple examples of how small towns, especially those transitioning from economies dominated by natural resource extraction are leveraging their natural resources for outdoor recreation tourism, and mountain biking specifically.
Published May 2019
2022 CDT Small Business Survey
posted Feb 14, 2023
From August to December 2021, the Continental Divide Trail Coalition surveyed 136 small business owners in 38 communities located along the Continental Divide Trail to learn more about how the Continental Divide Trail impacts their businesses, the local economy, and their support for public lands.
posted Apr 11, 2022
Everything you need to know about the positive impact of trails on health, environment, economics, and more.
posted Oct 25, 2021
An Examination of the Economic Impacts of Operations and Capital Spending by Local Park and Recreation Agencies on the U.S. Economy
The Future of the Outdoor Recreation Economy - Headwaters Economics
posted Jun 23, 2021
The future for outdoor recreation. To continue building a robust future for outdoor recreation, the outdoor sector needs investments in outdoor infrastructure, businesses that support collaboration and sustainable growth, a talent pipeline to build a skilled workforce, and marketing resources that ensure quality and equity.
