Long-Distance Cycling Routes: Economic Impacts and Best Practices

Abstract

Outdoor recreation managers as well as municipal and county economic development specialists can help diversify local, regional, and state economies by developing long-distance cycling routes and supporting bicycle tourism. In this research note, we outline 10 best practices focused on route planning and maintenance and four best practices focused on marketing bicycle tourism. The best practices are grounded in the experiences of practitioners who have developed long-distance cycling routes and academics who have studied their economic impacts. Outdoor recreation managers as well as municipal and county economic development specialists can apply the best practices in their own programs and partnership efforts and amplify the economic benefits of bicycle tourism.