**”Annual Bicycle Expenditures in the U.S. Reach $100 Billion”**
New data from the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) shows that Americans are spending a lot on cycling, which is great news.
The latest economic impact study on the outdoor sector reveals that nearly $97 billion is spent on wheeled sports like cycling. This is part of the $887 billion spent annually on outdoor activities. The study also found that about $14 billion is spent on bike and skateboard gear, and $83 million on skateboards and bike trips, creating 847,559 jobs. However, the OIA did not break down the cycling-specific figures.
Most cyclists understand the value of buying bikes, but the impressive spending figures highlight our economic impact. This means that bike enthusiasts have significant spending power.
Tim Blumenthal, President of PeopleForBikes, believes the OIA report shows the importance of cycling and bike-related businesses to local, state, and national economies. He advocates for continued investment in better bike infrastructure to reap these financial benefits.
The OIA report suggests that supporting the biking economy requires a national commitment to protecting American land and water and investing in outdoor recreation at both local and federal levels. Promoting outdoor recreation should also be a key part of public health policy and programming.
The report highlights the value of bike purchases in relation to environmental and human health benefits. For instance, outdoor recreation spending is three times that of annual gasoline expenditure. It also notes that outdoor recreation contributes to higher well-being, including reduced ADHD symptoms in children, better educational outcomes, and lower crime rates in areas with better outdoor infrastructure.
To emphasize the economic value of bikes, the OIA report mentions Darrington, Washington, which recovered financially from a 2014 landslide partly due to the creation of a mountain bike park and other outdoor facilities. This helped the city become a finalist for America’s Best Community award.
According to the OIA study, America’s outdoor recreation assets are a common trust for citizens. For cyclists, the $100 billion figure should be used to advocate for cyclists’ rights and more bike-friendly infrastructure. This is also positive news for the growing bike industry.