If you are trying to make a case for the economic benefits of bicycling, resources in this folder are sure to help. Included are studies and reports on economic benefits of bicycling and walking facilities and the acts of bicycling and walking.
Table of Contents
Cities
Bicycle-Related Industry Growth in Portland (Alta Planning + Design)
In 2006, Alta Planning + Design set out to determine the economic impact of bicycling to the City of Portland. Organization staff conducted a survey of more than 100 businesses, from small-scale custom frame builders to component manufacturers, race promoters, and bike shops. This report examines the results of those surveys.
Bicycle-Related Industry Growth in Portland (PDF)(434KB)
Bike Corrals: Local Business Impacts, Benefits, and Attitudes (Drew Meisel)
The purpose of this 2010 study was to research and examine the perceived benefits and impacts of bike corrals on businesses in Portland, Oregon.
Bike Corrals: Local Business Impacts, Benefits, and Attitudes (PDF)(1.3MB)
Costs and Benefits of Bicycling Investments in Portland, Oregon (Thomas Gotschi)
Promoting bicycling has great potential to increase overall physical activity; however, significant uncertainty exists with regard to the amount and effectiveness of investment needed for infrastructure. The objective of this 2011 study is to assess how costs of Portland's past and planned investments in bicycling relate to health and other benefits.
Costs and Benefits of Bicycling Investments in Portland, Oregon (PDF)(385KB)
Portland Bicycle-Related Economy Report (Alta Planning)This document is a briefing of key findings from a 2008 report by Alta Planning + Design on the value of bicycle-related industry in Portland, OR.
Portland Bicycle-Related Economy Report (PDF) (102KB)
New York City's Green Dividend
This 2010 study by economist Joe Cortright evaluates New York City's Green Dividend, the economic benefits that result from more efficient transportation and finds that city residents save $19 billion annually in auto-related expenses.
NYC Green Dividend (PDF)
The Impact of the Little Miami Scenic Trail on Residential Property Values (Duygu Karadeniz)
This 2008 research paper, compiled by a University of Cincinnati master's degree candidate in urban planning, concludes that single family home sale prices increase by $7.05 for every foot closer the property is located to a 78 mile paved trail located near Springfield, Ohio.
The Impact of the Little Miami Scenic Trail on Residential Single Family Home Property Values (URL)
Working with the Business Community - 7/11/2012 (Alliance)
From recruiting new business members to making local businesses more bike- and walk-friendly for customers and employees, working with the business community is a great way to gain support and new membership. Additionally, by lending your expertise as a consultant, your efforts can pay off in greater visibility, legitimacy, and political power. On our July 11, 2012 Mutual Aid Call, panelists Lou Fineberg, Erin O'Melinn and Allan Crawford discussed opportunities and tips for working with and consulting to local businesses and business districts.
Working with the Business Community Tip Sheet (PDF)
Cost Estimates: Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (City of Alexandria, VA)
The City of Alexandria provides these charts of project recommendation costs (arranged by programmatic category and by project area) on the webpage for their master bicycle and pedestrian plan.
Costs by Program Category (PDF)
Costs by Program Location (PDF)
States
Bicycling & Walking in CO: Economic Impact & Household Survey Results
The Colorado Department of Transportation initiated this research to provide baseline information from which planning and funding decisions can be made.
Bicycling in CO: Economic Impact & Household Survey (URL)
Economic and Health Benefits of Bicycling (Iowa Bicycle Coalition)
This 2011 study from the Iowa Bicycle Coalition estimates that bicycling saves the State of Iowa $73.9 million in healthcare costs and the economic impact of recreational cyclists' spending generates $364.8 million in direct and indirect impacts. (PDF)
Economic and Health Benefits of Bicycling in Iowa
Economic Impact of Walking and Biking in Vermont (Resource Systems Group, Local Motion)
Work from Resource Systems Group and Local Motion shows that, in 2009, biking and walking created at least 1,400 jobs, $41 million in personal income (wages) and $83 million in revenue. In addition, their research finds, the health and property value benefits could bump that up by more than $400 million in economic impact.
Economic Impact of Walking and Biking in Vermont (URL)
Pathways to Prosperity: Economic Impact of Investing in Bicycle Facilities
In the summer of 2003, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation (DBPT) commissioned this case study to assess the value of their investment in bicycle facilities.
Pathways to Prosperity (PDF)(1.2MB)
The Economic Impact of Bicycling in Colorado
This report provides statistical information on the economic impact of bicycling in Colorado by the Colorado Department of Transportation(CDOT) and the Center for Research in Economic and Social Policy(CRESP). Also highlighted are facts regarding bicycling behavior and attitudes of residents of Colorado.
The Economic Impact of Bicycling in Colorado (PDF) (277KB)
The Economic Impact of Bicycling in Wisconsin (Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin)
This report was requested by the Governor's Bicycle Coordinating Council, which recognized the need to provide a concise and informative presentation of the impact of bicycling on Wisconsin, and particularly on its economy, using the best information currently available. The report is divided into three sections: a discussion of the overall benefits of bicycling to the state of Wisconsin, economic sector data on the bicycling industry in Wisconsin, and anecdotal data on the economic impact of bicycle tourism and recreation in Wisconsin.
The Economic Impact of Bicycling in Wisconsin (PDF) (3.41MB)
Valuing Bicycling's Economic and Health Impacts in Wisconsin (University of Wisconsin - Madison)
This 2010 study, conducted by the CHANGE program at the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, found that bicycling contributes $1.5 billion to Wisconsin's economy every year, creating more than 13,200 jobs.
Valuing Bicycling's Economic and Health Impacts in Wisconsin (PDF)(897KB)
Wisconsin Bicycling Businesses (Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin)
This piece, created by the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, is a great example of a resource that can be helpful in meeting with elected officials and showcasing the economic benefit of bicycling. (PDF)(119KB)
Wisconsin Bicycling Businesses
Regions
Coastal Georgia Greenway Market Study and Projected Economic Impact
This report is a market study, produced by Armstrong Atlantic State University for the Coastal Georgia Greenway Steering Committee in December of 2003, on the projected economic impact of a multi use trail to be completed in 2015.
Coastal Georgia Greenway Market Study and Projected Economic Impact (PDF) (1.15MB)
Ozarks Commute (Ozark Greenways Inc)
A neat online platform that promotes active transportation, OzarksCommute.com gives residents the ability to find biking buddies for their routes to work and calculate how much money they're saving by leaving their car at home. (URL)
Ozarks Commute
