Trails and greenways impact our economy through tourism, events, urban redevelopment, community improvement, property values, health care costs, jobs and investment, and general consumer spending.
by Stuart Macdonald, Trail Consultant, American Trails
What does “economic benefits” really mean in the context of trails, tourism, and communities? We are eager to share the many positive aspects of trails, but as we are increasingly having to defend trails, it is worth looking more closely at the evidence.
Americans do spend a great deal on outdoor recreation. A 2006 Outdoor Industry Foundation study found that “Active Outdoor Recreation” contributes $887 billion annually to the U.S. economy, supports 7.6 million direct national jobs, generates $59.2 billion in annual state and local tax revenue, and $65.3 billion in national tax revenue. Active recreation is defined as bicycling, trail activities, paddling, snow sports, camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing.
Looking at our public lands, a recent study shows the importance of national parks and Bureau of Land Management area to the economy:
“The 437 million recreational visits to Interior-managed lands in 2010 supported more than 388,000 jobs nationwide and contributed over $44 billion in economic activity. Many of those jobs were in rural communities, including 15,000 jobs in Utah, 14,000 jobs in Wyoming, 9,000 in Colorado, and 8,000 in Arizona.”
— The Department of the Interior’s Economic Contributions (2011)
Another way that we all benefit from trail facilities is increased public health. Studies are beginning to look at the link between trail use and health benefits. In Lincoln, Nebraska:
“Per capita annual cost of using the trails was $209 ($59 construction and maintenance, $150 equipment and travel). Per capita annual direct medical benefit of using the trails was $564. The cost-benefit ratio was 2.94, which means that every $1 investment in trails for physical activity led to $2.94 in direct medical benefit.”— A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Physical Activity Using Bike/Pedestrian Trails, Wang, G., et al., (2004)
We will be watching for new research in this area. The potential benefits are great, as a recent study in the Miami area suggests:
“The development of Ludlam Trail will save the community between $1.68 million and $2.25 million annually in direct medical costs related to lack of physical exercise while leading to approximately 4,931 to 6,579 area residents becoming new exercisers. Residents within the Ludlam Trail Study Area can expect to lose or keep off between 32,664 and 109,939 pounds of weight annually by burning between 2.19 million and 7.39 million calories (kilocalories) per week while exercising on Ludlam Trail.”
— Trail Benefits Study: Ludlam Trail Case Study (2011)
Another type of statistic cited in economic studies is the general level of expenditure associated with a particular trail activity. Typical examples are statewide studies of off-highway vehicle recreation expenditures or the economic value of horses. These studies include household spending for equipment, storage, repair and maintenance, and related costs.
Bicycle recreation currently supports more than $924 million in tourism and resident spending each year, of which nearly $533 million is direct impact occurring annually, such as travel, equipment sales, and restaurant expenditures.— The Economic Impact of Bicycling in Wisconsin (2001)
“Bicycle tourism brings $66.8 million to the Maine economy.”— Bicycle Tourism in Maine: Economic Impacts and Marketing Recommendations (2001)
An Arizona State University economic study of recreational off-highway vehicle use in Arizona found:
“The total economic impact (direct and indirect) to Arizona from recreational OHV use is more than $4 billion annually. OHV recreation activities provide an economic contribution to the State and its 15 counties mainly through direct expenditures for motorized vehicles, tow trailers, related equipment, accessories, insurance, and maintenance costs.”
— Arizona State Parks, Statewide Motorized and Nonmotorized Trails Plan (2004)
The purchase and maintenance of equipment used on trails is also a major economic factor.
“...in the horseback riding activity... purchases of new equipment and horses, boarding of horses, feeds, veterinary fees, and other maintenance costs reached $551 million, or 59% of all equipment spending in the state.”
“Spending on new snowmobile equipment was second highest at $105 million, followed by ATV ($75 million), bicycle riding ($54 million), and running ($37 million).”
— Economic Impact of Recreational Trail Use in Different Regions of Minnesota (2009)
Attached document published November 2009
Stuart Macdonald spent 19 years as Colorado's State Trails Coordinator. He is the editor of American Trails Magazine. During 1998-99, he represented State Trail Administrators on the national committee that proposed regulations for accessible trails. He chaired the National Recreational Trails Committee, which advised the Federal Highway Administration in the first years of the Recreational Trails Program. Stuart grew up in San Diego and his main outdoor interest besides trails is surfing. He has a BA in English from San Francisco State and a Masters in Landscape Architecture from Utah State.
2023 Economic Contribution of Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation in Colorado
posted Apr 24, 2024
Colorado offers unique opportunities for motorized recreation throughout much of the state. As such, the sport and industry of motorized recreation has increased in popularity in Colorado, both for residents and non-residents. Abt Global, LLC (Abt) evaluated the economic contribution of motorized recreation throughout Colorado for the 2022–2023 season (July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023). This study is an update based on a previously conducted study, completed in December 2016, that estimated the economic contribution for the 2014–2015 season, referred to as the “2016 study” in this report.
Wisconsin ATV - UTV 2023 Economic Impact Report
posted Apr 24, 2024
In 2023, ATV/UTV riders in Wisconsin were responsible for generating an estimated $4.2 billion in direct economic activity, supporting the creation of 25,845 jobs. This spending was distributed across a wide range of industries including motor vehicle dealers, lodging facilities, restaurants, gas stations, and retail stores. The study provides detailed insights into the scope and size of Wisconsin’s ATV/UTV industry, demonstrating its significant economic footprint.
Bridging the Urban-Rural Economic Divide
posted Oct 26, 2023
It’s time for the narrative to shift from urban vs. rural to a shared economic future. Bridging the economic divide between urban and rural areas will require states, regions and localities to understand and bolster the relationship between urban and rural areas in economically meaningful and strategic ways.
Great Allegheny Passage Economic Impact Report
posted Oct 19, 2023
This report was developed by Fourth Economy in partnership with the Great Allegheny Passage Conservancy (formerly the Allegheny Trail Alliance). Research was conducted between the fall of 2020 and the spring of 2021.
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