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Applying Novel Visitation Models using Diverse Social Media to Understand Recreation Change after Wildfire and Site Closure
Benefit
Group
Region
Year
This study analyzes how visitation in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon and Washington changed as a result of the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. A visitation model is constructed by incorporating data from social media to measure visitation patterns and used to look for a substitution effect on nearby recreation sites after the fire.
Citation
White, E.M., Winder, S.G. and Wood, S.A. 2023. Applying novel visitation models using diverse social media to understand recreation change after wildfire and site closure. Society & Natural Resources 36(1): 58-75.
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Assessing Forest Recreational Potential from Social Media Data and Remote Sensing Technologies Data
Group
Region
Year
This study uses Flickr data and remote sensing technologies to identify forest biometric and topographic data to map and estimate recreational potential of British Columbia’s provincial park system. Potential recreation and consumer surplus are mapped in Cypress Provincial Park using variables that influence visitors’ preferences for recreational activities. A machine learning approach called convolutional neural…
Citation
Lingua, F., Coops, N.C. and Griess, V.C. 2023. Assessing forest recreational potential from social media data and remote sensing technologies data. Ecological Indicators 149, 110165.
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Financing Recreational Trails Through Donations: Testing Behavioural Theory in Mountain Biking Context
In Rörbäcksnäs, Sweden, researchers found that social information such as collective action and descriptive norms in signage posted on the main mountain biking trailhead encouraged higher donation amounts and participation rates from mountain bikers. Descriptive norms included listing the donation amount from mountain bikers in recent weeks on the signage. Through the survey, researchers found…
Citation
Nowak, M. and Heldt, T. 2023. Financing recreational trails through donations: Testing behavioural theory in mountain biking context. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, 42, 100603.
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Squeezing the most from volunteered geographic information to monitor mountain biking in peri-urban protected and recreational areas at a metropolitan scale
This study evaluates mountain bike use in five recreational areas using GPSies data at a regional scale in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (LMA) in Portugal. Results indicate that 98% of users were from Portugal and 60.57% of the rides were going to at least one of the protected and recreational areas (P&RAs) studied. 80.77% of…
Citation
Mendes, R.M.N., Farías-Torbidoni, E.I. and da Silva, C.P. 2023. Squeezing the most from volunteered geographic information to monitor mountain biking in peri-urban protected and recreational areas at a metropolitan scale. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism 42(2023), 100624.
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The Knoxville Urban Wilderness Trail System and Baker Creek Preserve Bike Park: A Profile of Users and Physical Activity
This study is listed as the first in a series of Knoxville Urban Wilderness (KUW) health and economic impact reports. This paper details the number of KUW users during 2021. Findings include that the users of the KUW trail system are predominately white, adult males, and that mountain biking, running, and walking are the most…
Citation
Fitzhugh, E.C., Gregory, D. and Sims, C. 2023. The Knoxville Urban Wilderness Trail System and Baker Creek Preserve Bike Park: A Profile of Users and Physical Activity. Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee.
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Using Social Media Camping Data for Evaluating, Quantifying, and Understanding Recreational Ecosystem Services in Post-COVID-19 Megacities: A Case Study from Beijing
Group
Region
Year
The authors apply a GIS spatial analysis using social media data to quantify public perspectives of recreational ecosystem services (RESs) or green spaces in Beijing, China. This megacity-scale study was conducted using data from the Little Red Book (LRB) which has been referred to as “China’s Instagram.” Though the authors acknowledge there are some limitations…
Citation
Xu, H., Zhao, G., Liu, Y. and Miao, M. 2023. Using Social Media Camping Data for Evaluating, Quantifying, and Understanding Recreational Ecosystem Services in Post-COVID-19 Megacities: A Case Study from Beijing. Forests 14(6): 1151.
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The Economic Impact of Outdoor Recreation in Mesa County
Benefit
Group
Region
Year
To estimate the full economic impact of outdoor recreation across Mesa County, Colorado, researchers measured the impact of both outdoor recreation-related businesses (such as retail trade and manufacturing) and tourism. In 2019, the GDP impact of outdoor recreation was $484,474,065 or 7.2% of total GDP; the direct job impact was 9,897 jobs or 11% of…
Citation
Perry, N., Casey, T. and Snyder, J. 2022. The Economic Impact of Outdoor Recreation in Mesa County. Grand Junction, CO: Colorado Mesa University.
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Mountain bike tourism economic impacts: A critical analysis of academic and practitioner studies
The authors reviewed 33 academic and practitioner studies on mountain bike tourism and found inconsistencies in the methodology for measuring economic impacts. They critique the existing literature and make recommendations to improve variable instruments and analysis. The authors claim more coherent and consistent variables analyses will better support community advocates in their push for the…
Citation
Buning, R.J. and Lamont, M. 2021. Mountain bike tourism economic impacts: A critical analysis of academic and practitioner studies. Tourism Economics 27(3): 500-509.
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Economic Analysis of Outdoor Recreation in Washington State 2020 Update
Region
Year
This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the economic impact of outdoor recreation in Washington State. The report includes estimates on spending, jobs, income, impact on GDP, consumer surplus, and environmental benefits of outdoor recreation. In 2019, outdoor recreation in Washington contributed $26.5 billion in spending and supported 264,000 jobs, compared to $21.5 billion and…
Citation
Mojica, J. and Fletcher, A. 2020. Economic Analysis of Outdoor Recreation in Washington State, 2020 Update. Tacoma, WA: Earth Economics.
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The Economic Value of Trails in Arizona: A Travel Cost Method Study
Group
Region
Year
This study estimates the value Arizona residents derive from visiting motorized and non-motorized trails. The authors also estimated total annual trail use, Arizonans’ perceptions of trails, and favorite and most frequented trails. The value for Arizona residents from non-motorized trail use is around $8.3 billion per year; the value from motorized trail use is about…
Citation
Duval, D., Frisvold, G. and Bickel, A. 2020. The Economic Value of Trails in Arizona: A Travel Cost Method Study. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Tucson, AZ: University of Arizona.
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Economic and Health Benefits of Bicycling in Northwest Arkansas
Benefit
Group
Region
Year
In northwest Arkansas, a substantial investment in paved and unpaved trails has contributed substantially to the region’s well-being (measured in improved health) and economic performance (measured in visitor spending and employee retention). Evidenced by residents’ interest in living close to trails and willingness to pay more for homes near trails, cycling is an essential part…
Citation
BBC Research and Consulting. 2018. Economic and Health Benefits of Bicycling in Northwest Arkansas. Prepared for The Walton Family Foundation and PeopleForBikes. Denver, CO: BBC Research and Consulting.
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The Economic Impact of Outdoor Recreation and the Whitefish Trail in Whitefish, Montana
Group
Region
Year
In Whitefish, Montana, outdoor recreation is the most important reason why residents stay and visitors come to the community. On the Whitefish Trail, 22,000 annual uses by visitors (30% of total use) generates $3.6 million in spending and supports 68 jobs.
Citation
Headwaters Economics. 2018. The Economic Impact of Outdoor Recreation and the Whitefish Trail in Whitefish, Montana. Prepared for Whitefish Legacy Partners; Whitefish Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Bozeman, Montana: Headwaters Economics.
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Trail Usage and Value: A Helena, MT Case Study
Group
Region
Year
In Helena, Montana, an 80-mile hiking and mountain biking trail system attracts more than 63,000 trail users during the summer. Seven in 10 users are residents, but visitors who use the trail system account for $4 million in spending, support 60 jobs, and generate $185,000 in state and local taxes.
Citation
Sage, J.L. and Nickerson, N.P. 2018. Trail Usage and Value-A Helena, MT Case Study. Missoula, MT: Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research, College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana.
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Bonner County Trails Final Survey Results
Benefit
Group
Region
Year
In rural Bonner County in northern Idaho, trails are used by three-quarters of residents an average of every day in the summer and every other day in the winter. Trail use is high for all residents, even accounting for differences in the length of residence in the county, income, and age. Business owners are more…
Citation
RRC Associates. 2016. Bonner County Trails Final Survey Results. Bozeman, MT: Headwaters Economics.
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Enchanted Circle Trails: Final Survey Results
Benefit
Group
Region
Year
In Taos, New Mexico, Hispanic residents and low-income residents are less likely to have used trails during the previous year, but those who have used trails during the previous year use them just as often as other (non-Hispanic) residents. Among low-income residents, those with a park or trail within a 10-minute walk of their house…
Citation
RRC Associates. 2016. Enchanted Circle Trails: Final Survey Results. Prepared for Taos Land Trust; Headwaters Economics. Boulder, CO: RRC Associates.
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Jackson Hole Pathways and Trails Survey
Benefit
Group
Region
Year
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…
Citation
RRC Associates. 2015. Jackson Hole Pathways and Trails Survey. Prepared for Teton County, WY; Friends of Pathways; Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce; Town of Jackson, WY; Headwaters Economics. Boulder, CO: RRC Associates.
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Oregon Non-Motorized Trail Participation and Priorities
Group
Region
Year
Non-motorized trail users in Oregon account for 162.3 million user days per year, and the vast majority of these days are spent walking or hiking. While these recreation days are associated with substantial expenditures, the amount spent per person per day and the total economic impact vary greatly within the state.
Citation
Lindberg, K. and T. Bertone-Riggs. 2015. Oregon Non-Motorized Trail Participation and Priorities. Prepared for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Corvallis, OR: Oregon State University.
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Outdoor Recreation Scarcity and Abundance in Western Oregon: A Spatial Analysis
Across western Oregon, there is substantial variation in how well the supply of hiking, mountain biking, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails meets demand for these trails by local users. Although some communities have many miles of trails, such as the 146 miles of mountain biking trails within 60 minutes of Portland, the supply of trails…
Citation
ECONorthwest. 2015. Outdoor recreation scarcity and abundance in Western Oregon: A Spatial Analysis. Portland, OR: Bureau of Land Management.
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Adapting To the New Economy: The Impacts of Mountain Bike Tourism in Oakridge, Oregon
Group
Region
Year
Mountain biking in Oakridge, Oregon contributes substantial economic activity to a small, isolated community deeply affected by the loss of timber jobs. Although the recent rapid growth in the area’s popularity has some residents concerned about cultural change, user conflicts, and environmental concerns, the author is confident these challenges can be overcome.
Citation
Meltzer, N. 2014. “Adapting To The New Economy: The Impacts of Mountain Bike Tourism in Oakridge, Oregon” [Master’s Thesis]. Eugene, OR: University of Oregon Department of Planning, Public Policy and Management.
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Columbia River Gorge Bicycle Recreation: Economic Impact Forecast for the Communities along the Historic Columbia River Highway
Group
Region
Year
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…
Citation
Dean Runyan Associates. 2014. Columbia River Gorge Bicycle Recreation: Economic Impact Forecast for the Communities Along the Historic Columbia River Highway. Prepared for the Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon Tourism Commission, Port of Cascade Locks, Port of Hood River, Port of The Dalles.
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The Economic Impacts of Active Silent Sports Enthusiasts
Group
Region
Year
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.
Citation
Berard, D., S. Chapin, A. Hoogasian, T. Kane, D. Marcouiller, and T. Wojciechowski. 2014. The Economic Impacts of Active Silent Sports Enthusiasts. Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Extension Report 14.1.
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Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition Rider Survey
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…
Citation
Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition. 2014. 2014 WMBC Rider Survey.
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An Economic Impact Study of Bicycling in Arizona
This study found that Arizona drew 14,000 out-of-state visitors to 250 cycling events in 2012. Because most participants stay for an average of only four days, their visits have a relatively small economic impact in the state-wide economy. However, these events are likely significant to small towns (see 69) and local spending associated with Arizona…
Citation
McClure Consulting, Economic & Policy Resources, Inc., and Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. 2013. An Economic Impact Study of Bicycling in Arizona. Prepared for the Arizona Department of Transportation.
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Analysis of Touring Cyclists: Impacts, Needs and Opportunities for Montana
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…
Citation
Nickerson, N., J. Jorgenson, M. Berry, J. Kwenye, D. Kozel, J. Schutz. 2013. Analysis of Touring Cyclists: Impacts, Needs and Opportunities for Montana. University of Montana College of Forestry and Conservation’s Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research, Research Report 2013-17.
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Economic Impact of the 2012 “6 Hours of Warrior Creek” Mountain Bike Race
Two factors most strongly predicted racers’ total spending at an endurance mountain bike race in North Carolina: whether they visited other tourist attractions during their trip and how many nights they stayed. Having more people in the racer’s party was also associated with higher total spending, while income had almost no effect on spending.
Citation
Schiller, A., and J. Whitehead. 2013. Economic Impact of the 2012 ‘6 Hours of Warrior Creek’ Mountain Bike Race. Boone, NC: Center for Economic Research and Policy Analysis at Appalachian State University.
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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
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.
Citation
Tourism British Columbia. 2013. Golden Mountain Bike Visitor Study 2011 Results. Research, Planning & Evaluation, Tourism British Columbia Ministry of Jobs, Tourism, and Skills Training.
Tourism British Columbia. 2013. Rossland Mountain Bike Visitor Study 2011 Results. Research, Planning & Evaluation, Tourism British Columbia Ministry of Jobs, Tourism, and Skills Training.
Tourism British Columbia. 2013. BC Input-Output Model Report: Mountain Biking in Rossland and Golden. Research, Planning & Evaluation, Tourism British Columbia Ministry of Jobs, Tourism, and Skills Training.
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Project Brief: The Economic Impact of Mountain Bicycle Events in Oregon
This study found that mountain biking events in Oregon are popular, with a large proportion of overnight visitors who stay for several nights. While these events can generate a large spending infusion for local businesses, particularly in small communities, it is typically short-lived unless the event adds to visitation throughout the season.
Citation
McNamee, J., K. Main, and K. Hashimato. 2013. Project Brief: The Economic Impact of Mountain Bicycle Events in Oregon. Linfield College Working Paper.
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The Economic Significance of Bicycle-Related Travel in Oregon: Detailed State and Travel Region Estimates, 2012
This study found that bicycle-related tourism in Oregon attracts many visitors, both from within and outside the state, to participate in a range of activities. While the impacts of visitor spending are relatively small relative to the state’s economy, it likely has a large effect in smaller towns, especially when associated with large events.
Citation
Dean Runyan Associates. 2013. The Economic Significance of Bicycle-Related Travel in Oregon: Detailed State and Travel Region Estimates, 2012. Prepared for Travel Oregon.
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An Economic and Impact Analysis of the Coldwater Mountain Bike Trail
This survey found that avid mountain bikers are projected to have high daily spending and use the trails frequently on the Coldwater Mountain Bike Trail in Alabama. The new trail system is likely to be popular with locals and attract some outside spending that could have significant effects on retail and hospitality businesses that cater…
Citation
Boozer, B. 2012. An Economic and Impact Analysis of the Coldwater Mountain Bike Trail. Jacksonville State University, Center for Economic Development; Calhoun County Community Development Corporation.
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Economic Impact Assessment and Phase 2 Implementation Report
Group
Region
Year
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…
Citation
Calof, J. 2012. Economic Impact Assessment and Phase 2 Implementation Report. Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium.
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Spearhead Trails Implementation Plan, Vol. II Economic Impact Assessment
Benefit
Group
Region
Year
This study assesses the potential impact of a region-wide trail destination for multiple user groups on private, primarily corporate-owned land in southwest Virginia. It found that developing a destination-quality trail system requires region-wide coordination, both in trail construction and linking, as well as in providing supporting infrastructure for tourists and marketing to potential visitors outside…
Citation
Sustainable Development Consulting International. 2012. Spearhead Trails Implementation Plan, Vol. II: Economic Impact Assessment. Southwest Virginia Regional Recreation Authority.
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Jackson Hole Trail Project Economic Impact Study
Benefit
Group
Region
Year
This study found that locals are the main beneficiary of the Teton County, Wyoming trail system, although visitors are increasingly enjoying area trails outside of Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. The economic impact of the trails may be significant, but is difficult to estimate without knowing how many visitors come to the area just for…
Citation
Kaliszewski, N. 2011. Jackson Hole Trail Project Economic Impact Study (Unpublished Master’s Thesis). University of Wyoming. Laramie, Wyoming.
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Potential Economic Impact of Outdoor Recreation in the Barre Town Forest, Vermont
This study found that expanding an existing trail system with broad regional draw in Barre, Vermont could significantly increase visitor use and spending. Using a range of projected growth rates, the authors predict that the local economy could see relatively small but meaningful gains in new spending and employment.
Citation
Posner, S. and M. Ceroni. 2011. Potential Economic Impact of Outdoor Recreation in the Barre Town Forest, Vermont. Gund Institute for Ecological Economics, University of Vermont. Funded by The Trust for Public Land.
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Planning for Environmental Justice in an Urban National Park
The authors conducted a survey in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in Los Angeles to understand park accessibility and how socio-demographic characteristics affect individuals’ use of the park. They found that the average park user is white, male, middle-aged, has a college education, earns between $50,000-$75,000 per annum, and was born in the United…
Citation
Byrne, J., Wolch, J. and Zhang, J. 2009. Planning for environmental justice in an urban national park. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management 52(3): 365-392.
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Profile of 2008 Minnesota Recreational Trail Users
Group
Region
Year
This study found that walkers and hikers, while they have fairly low per-trip spending, generate nearly two-thirds of the total economic impact from trails-related recreation in Minnesota because many people participate and they participate often. Motorized recreation – both summer and winter – has the highest individual expenditures per trip.
Citation
Schneider, I., A. Schuweiler, and T. Bipes. 2009. Profile of 2008 Minnesota Recreational Trail Users. University of Minnesota Tourism Center.
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7stanes Phase 2 Evaluation
Group
Region
Year
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…
Citation
Ekos Limited and Tourism Resources Company. 2007. 7stanes Phase 2 Evaluation. Report for Forestry Commission Scotland.
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Economic Benefits of Mountain Bike Tourism for Santa Cruz County
This report on the potential for mountain bike tourism in Santa Cruz County, California demonstrates how trail advocates can use existing research studies to help make a case for trail development in their community. The authors argue that the presence of significant bike industry companies, a large existing social trail network, and appealing climate and…
Citation
Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz. 2007. Economic Benefits of Mountain Bike Tourism for Santa Cruz County. Santa Cruz, CA: Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz.
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Sea to Sky Mountain Biking Economic Impact Study
Benefit
Group
Region
Year
This study found that mountain biking generates significant new spending in the communities of Whistler, Squamish, and the North Shore near Vancouver, British Columbia, all internationally-known mountain biking destinations. These communities all draw non-local visitors and spending, but the economic impact associated with the resort and bike park at Whistler and the multi-day Crankworkx Mountain…
Citation
Western Canada Mountain Bike Tourism Association. 2007. Sea to Sky Mountain Biking Economic Impact Study.
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Characteristics and Behavior of Tourists Who Visited the George S. Mickelson Trail During the 2005 Peak Season
Group
Region
Year
The George S. Mickelson Trail (GSMT) is a multipurpose recreational trail that spans 114 miles across South Dakota beginning in the Black Hills. Researchers compiled survey data from 2,388 trail users who resided outside of the Black Hills Region. They analyzed the perceptions and use patterns of tourism activity on the GSMT and found that…
Citation
Spencer, D. 2006. Characteristics and Behavior of Tourists Who Visited the George S. Mickelson Trail During the 2005 Peak Season. Submitted to Black Hills Community Economic Development/Mickelson Trail Coalition. Spearfish, SD: Center for Tourism Research, Black Hills State University.
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Exploring the Market Potential for Yukon Mountain Bike Tourism
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…
Citation
Koepke, J. 2005. Exploring the Market Potential for Yukon Mountain Bike Tourism. Cycling Association of Yukon and Tourism Yukon.
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Wildfire Effects on Hiking and Biking Demand in New Mexico: A Travel Cost Study
This study found that crown wildfires that cross trails are likely to have a dramatic effect on use and individual benefit for hikers and mountain bikers that persists for decades after the fire occurs. Prescribed fires are also shown to decrease benefits and use for both groups, but these declines occur gradually over decades rather…
Citation
Hesseln, H., J. Loomis, A. Gonzalez-Caban, and S. Alexander. 2003. “Wildfire effects on hiking and biking demand in New Mexico: a travel cost study.” Journal of Environmental Management 69(4): 359-368.
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Estimating the Benefits and Costs to Mountain Bikers of Changes in Trail Characteristics, Access Fees, and Site Closures: Choice Experiments and Benefits Transfer
This study found that all mountain bikers, from casual to the most avid, are most likely to ride on trails without hikers or equestrians, and are willing to pay a fee to ride on these trails. While mountain bikers are more likely to use singletrack trails, only the most avid are willing to pay a…
Citation
Morey, E., T. Buchanan, and D. Waldman. 2002. “Estimating the benefits and costs to mountain bikers of changes in trail characteristics, access fees, and site closures: choice experiments and benefits transfer.” Journal of Environmental Management 64(4): 411-422.
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Nebraska Rural Trails: Three Studies of Trail Impact
Benefit
Group
Year
This study found that even in very rural places, developed trails provide valuable recreation opportunities for residents in addition to attracting new visitors and spending by non-locals. The results also suggest that trails contributed to increased community pride and a modest increase in activity levels, with few problems from crime or vandalism related to the…
Citation
Greer, D.L. 2001. Nebraska Rural Trails: Three Studies of Trail Impact. School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, University of Nebraska at Omaha.
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Bicycling and Walking in Colorado: Economic Impact and Household Survey Results
Group
Region
Year
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…
Citation
Argys, L., H. Mocan, J. Barela, T. Boonsaeng, M. Darling, J. Garner, P. Niemann, and T. Potter. 2000. Bicycling and Walking in Colorado: Economic Impact and Household Survey Results. Center for Research on Economic and Social Policy of the University of Colorado at Denver.
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Estimating the Recreation Demand and Economic Value of Mountain Biking in Moab, Utah: An Application of Count Data Models
This study found that mountain bikers visiting the Moab, Utah trail system spent an average of $282 per trip and visited 2.5 times per year. Rather than a specific trail, as was studied in the Fix and Loomis (1997) Slickrock Trail study, this study evaluated the benefits of the Moab area’s whole mountain bike trail…
Citation
Chakraborty, K., and J. Keith. 2000. “Estimating the recreation demand and economic value of mountain biking in Moab, Utah: an application of count data models.” Journal of Environmental Planning and Management 43(4): 461-469.
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Mountain Biking in the Chequamegon Area of Northern Wisconsin and Implications for Regional Development
Group
Region
Year
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.
Citation
Sumathi, N. and D. Berard. 1997. Mountain Biking in the Chequamegon Area of Northern Wisconsin and Implications for Regional Development. Center for Community Economic Development, University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension.
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The Economic Benefits of Mountain Biking at One of Its Meccas: An Application of the Travel Cost Method to Mountain Biking in Moab, Utah
This study found that the Slickrock Trail, a world-famous mountain bike trail in Moab, Utah, draws a large number of avid users annually, who are willing to travel long distances and spend large sums to reach it. Because access fees are a relatively low portion of overall trip cost, visitation rates are unlikely to change…
Citation
Fix, P. and J. Loomis. 1997. “The Economic Benefits of Mountain Biking at One of Its Meccas: An Application of the Travel Cost Method to Mountain Biking in Moab, Utah.” Journal of Leisure Research 29(3): 342.
Library of Trails Benefits
This Trails Benefits Library is a collection of studies on the positive impacts of trails on businesses, public health, and quality of life. Use this form to search by type of benefit, use, year, and region.