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User attitudes

  • The Economic Impacts of Active Silent Sports Enthusiasts

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    In northern Wisconsin, 95 percent of participants in non-motorized events are non-local, and these participants take more than four trips per year to the area on average, generating substantial economic impact. The two most important factors affecting non-residents’ decision to visit were the quality of trails and the quality of trail mapping and signage. Read more

  • Jackson Hole Pathways and Trails Survey

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    In Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a random, statistically representative survey gathered information about residents’ opinions of pathways and trails, including levels and types of use, satisfaction, strengths and weaknesses, and the role the trail system plays in quality of life. The survey found that 91 percent of residents had used the trail system in the previous… Read more

  • Analysis of Economic Impacts of the Northern Central Rail Trail

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that the North Central Rail Trail is used heavily by residents who lack safe walking and cycling alternatives on local roadways; trail use grew 42 percent per year during the first decade it was open. Both residents and nearby property owners overwhelmingly found the trail a good investment of public funds and… Read more

  • Exploring the Market Potential for Yukon Mountain Bike Tourism

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that the Yukon Territory in Canada has the potential to become a destination for mountain biking based on its undeveloped landscape, varied terrain that would accommodate a range of abilities, and existing network of old First Nations and prospector trails. The difficulty of reaching the Yukon by car or plane is a… Read more

  • Economic Impact Assessment and Phase 2 Implementation Report

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that the trail systems in the Cariboo region of British Columbia are seeing consistent annual growth in trail use and economic impact, driven largely by more overnight visitors from outside the area. To increase non-local visitors and the economic impact of mountain biking, the Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium has developed and promoted… Read more

  • Bicycling and Walking in Colorado: Economic Impact and Household Survey Results

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that bicycle tourism draws summertime tourists to Colorado ski areas who would not have come otherwise, many of whom come from out-of-state and generate valuable economic impact. State-wide, residents are most concerned about the safety of cycling and strongly support spending on improvements such as new paved off-street bike paths and linking… Read more

  • Golden Mountain Bike Visitor Study 2011 Results; Rossland Mountain Bike Visitor Study 2011 Results; BC Input-Output Model Report: Mountain Biking in Rossland and Golden

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    These studies found that the mountain bike trail systems in Golden and Rossland, British Columbia are destinations drawing visitors who would not otherwise have come to the area, providing a valuable economic boost. Respondents are drawn by the extent and diversity of trails, the ease of access to the trails, and the quality of trails. Read more

  • Community and Economic Benefits of Bicycling in Michigan

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that bicycling in Michigan generates $224 million annually through retail spending, manufacturing, and event and tourism spending. Additionally, the improved health of those who commute to work by bicycle in the state is associated with up to $256 million in avoided annual health care costs. Read more

  • 7stanes Phase 2 Evaluation

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that the 7stanes mountain bike trail system draws over 300,000 visitors annually who would not otherwise have come to the South of Scotland. Trail construction in Phase 1 was followed by Phase 2, which focused on improving the economic impact from the trails by increasing the proportion of visitors staying for multiple… Read more

  • Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition Rider Survey

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that the Galbraith Mountain mountain bike trail system is a valuable asset for local residents, many of whom moved to the area or stay in the area because of the trails, and for visitors, who visit frequently and spend money at local businesses. While the club building the trails is developing a… Read more

  • Economic and Health Benefits of Bicycling in Iowa

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that cyclists in Iowa, including those who ride for recreation and to commute to work, contribute substantial spending associated with commuting and cycling trips within the state. The physical activity from cycling is associated with as much as $354 million lower annual health care costs due to fewer cases of heart and… Read more

  • Analysis of Touring Cyclists: Impacts, Needs and Opportunities for Montana

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that cycle tourists in Montana spend an average of $76 per day and stay eight days in the state during their trip, much longer than the average tourist. Safety is cycle tourists’ top priority, so supporting more cycle touring in the state requires investments in safer routes, including narrower rumble strips, wider… Read more

  • Making Trails Count for Illinois

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that Illinois’ regional trails receive very high use, mainly cycling and walking, particularly in metropolitan areas. Trails mostly generate benefits in terms of health impacts for local residents, one-third of whom used trails at least 21 times in the previous year and exercised for at least 150 minutes during each trail visit. Read more

  • Mountain Biking in the Chequamegon Area of Northern Wisconsin and Implications for Regional Development

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that the Chequamegon trail system in northern Wisconsin attracts numerous mountain bikers, who generate a sizable economic impact. According to trail users, the most important aspects of the trails are its natural, quiet setting and lack of motorized vehicles. Read more

  • Columbia River Gorge Bicycle Recreation: Economic Impact Forecast for the Communities along the Historic Columbia River Highway

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that road cycling and mountain biking are valuable sources of income for communities close to the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. According to survey results, a proposed trail improvement that would increase the uninterrupted length of the trail and improve rider safety could significantly increase economic impact by increasing the trail’s… Read more

  • The Waterway at New River State Park: An Assessment of User Demographics, Preferences, and Economics

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that the water trail along the New River Trail in western Virginia is used frequently by locals and non-locals, and is a relatively large source of revenue for local businesses. The trail and communities near the trail currently provide the amenities that trail users find most important, although there may be unmet… Read more

  • Economic Impacts of MVSTA Trails and Land Resources in the Methow Valley

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that the 200-kilometer Nordic skiing trail network in the Methow Valley of Washington state is the reason why many people visit the area and choose to purchase homes there. Non-resident trail users and residents alike are largely willing to pay some amount of money to support trail maintenance and additional trail construction. Read more

  • The Economic Importance of Snowmobiling in Iowa

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that snowmobiling is popular among Iowa households. However, snowmobiling’s economic impact in the state is relatively low because two-thirds of residents’ trips are taken in neighboring states and less than 1 percent of trips in-state are taken by out-of-state residents. Read more

  • The Economic Impact of Snowmobiling in Valley County

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that snowmobilers from outside Valley County, Idaho are an important source of revenue during the winter months, spending an average of three days per trip and $106 per day. This revenue stream is highly susceptible to weather, with visits dropping 40 percent in a low snow year. Read more

  • Montana Recreational Snowmobiles: Fuel-Use and Spending Patterns 2013

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that snowmobiling is associated with high daily spending in Montana, with the average resident snowmobiler spending $108 per day and the average non-resident spending $148 per day. Despite the 4,000 miles of groomed trails available in the state, snowmobiling remains primarily an activity enjoyed by residents, who accounted for 93 percent of… Read more

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