The grand tour: How bike tourism helps local economies

Great article I found through the Better World Club (which is a terrific alternative, by the way, to AAA, or a supplement.  Here's the link:  http://www.grist.org/biking/2011-06-06-the-grand-tour-how-bike-tourism-helps-local-economies.

I will run part of it today, the rest tomorrow, but feel free to use the above link to read it fully:

"This is the eighth column in a series focusing on the economics of bicycling.

Bike-friendly cities, off-road paths, and scenic country roads where cyclists can spin along in comfort aren't just good for the people who live in those places. They also attract tourists. And tourists mean money for the local economy.

Tourism is one of the U.S.'s largest industries and biggest employers, creating millions of jobs and bringing in hundreds of billions of dollars each year (not to mention the tax benefits).

Bicycle touring has long had an honored place in the tourism economy and culture. This doesn't go unrecognized: In Wisconsin, bike tourism is estimated to contribute $1.5 billion to the state's economy every year.

It's not just about paths or trails, though the measurable impacts these facilities have on local economies are a big deal. Bicycle transportation may not yet be mainstream in the U.S., but recreational bicycling is. More people ride bikes than ski, and more bikes than cars are bought here every year -- presumably for the purpose of family rides along the riverside trail and the like.

For communities looking to up the ante, in adventure or economic development, there are many enticing opportunities for bicycle touring beyond a short jaunt on the rail trail.

Take, as an example, RAGBRAI (that's the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa), which calls itself "the oldest, largest and longest bicycle touring event in the world." Now in its 39th year, the seven-day event follows a different route every year. Participants and spectators drop plenty of cash into small-town economies along the way -- buying pancakes, beer, massages, and souvenirs. The ride also has a longer-term economic impact that's harder to quantify -- in marketing the state's attractions and even in job creation.

Rides like RAGBRAI -- few are nearly as large, but every state boasts smaller supported tours --  introduce participants to the satisfaction and camaraderie of bicycle touring. And they are ambassadors of mutual goodwill, paving the way for acceptance in communities where a person on a bike on a rural road might otherwise be seen as an inconvenience.

Note this is the 8th in a series of articles that make you think seriously about the economics of biking.  Be a good show.

Did you watch today's world premier of our show with Al Cerrone talking about the Chevy Volt and other GM products?  Great show.  Will stream live again at 4p, EST.