Economic Benefits of Mountain Biking
Economic Benefits of Mountain Biking
Smaller cities and rural communities that invest in natural surface trail networks for bicycling can expect tangible economic benefits in the form of increased tourism, new business formation, increased spending from new residents attracted to trails, and easy access to the outdoors.Trust for Public Land (TPL) and IMBA conducted a literature review to better understand the economic benefits of mountain biking tourism in the U.S.
Mountain biking trails create employment opportunities: across the 13 locations included in the report, the trail networks generated up to 1,626 jobs and $54.1 million in labor income each year. The report highlights several successful mountain biking projects and special events across the country, and it outlines best practices for trail development, including inclusive stakeholder collaboration and trail design, conflict mitigation, and long-term sustainability planning. By addressing potential challenges such as environmental impacts and housing pressures, communities can maximize the benefits of their outdoor recreation economies. Download the report to learn more.
Publication Date: March 2025
Economic Benefits of Mountain Biking | Webinar
Communities that invest in natural surface trail networks for mountain biking can expect tangible pspending by people attracted to trails and easy access to the outdoors. Outdoor recreation-related spending has downstream effects on a community’s economic condition as well, generating sales and lodging taxes and business and employment opportunities in the community and improving residents' quality of life. Trust for Public Land (TPL) and the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) will present the findings from a new study conducted to better understand the economic benefits of mountain biking in the U.S. This session will also identify potential challenges that outdoor recreation communities face regarding increased visitation and suggests considerations and re-sources to mitigate them.
Published: May 15, 2025
Read More
- Investing in Trails: Exploring the Economic Impact of Mountain Biking: This resource is a collection of economic impact studies will provide a perspective on the economic impact of mountain biking in different regions.
Read Studies
