A Journal of Leisure Research Publication
This 1997 paper estimates the value of a relatively new form of recreation: mountain biking. Its popularity has resulted in many documented conflicts, and its value must be estimated so an informed decision regarding trail allocation can be made. A travel cost model (TCM) is used to estimate the economic benefits, measured by consumer surplus, to the users of mountain bike trails near Moab, Utah.
It can be concluded that the bike trails in the Moab area produce a high value of consumer surplus to the users, $197 and $205 per trip, depending on the model specification. The corresponding annual values for the Slickrock Trail are also large, $8,422,800 and $8,770,300. Although these estimates of consumer surplus may not easily transfer to other areas, due to the uniqueness of Moab, it is still useful for land managers to note that there are large benefits resulting from land being used for mountain biking.
It should be noted that mountain biking is only one activity which can be done at Moab and, therefore, mountain biking is only part of the total economic value associated with Moab. Moab's total economic value will consist of all use values such as hiking, rafting, and sightseeing as well as existence, option, and bequest values. It should also be noted that mountain biking will have different values at different sites depending on the characteristics of the site and visitors.
This study also demonstrates the applicability of the travel cost method to estimating the economic value of mountain biking. As further studies are done at less nationally well-known sites it will be interesting to compare values. Nonetheless, it appears that devotees of mountain biking receive substantial benefit per-trip and it may be an economically competitive use of public recreation areas.
Attached document published June 1997
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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