We have been anticipating the release of an economic impact study on the effects of bicycling on Northwest Arkansas. The results are impressive. This is an overview article with links to the actual reports that were done by People for Bikes and other firms. Also, take a look at the slides at the end of this article for quick reference.
With an increasing number of locals and tourists taking advantage of its network of natural-surface trails and shared-use paved paths, bicycling provided $137 million in economic benefits to Northwest Arkansas in 2017. According to three new studies from the Walton Family Foundation, the region has reaped these positive economic, social and health benefits while still managing to keep its trail building costs lower than many regions with comparable bicycle infrastructure.
“While the energy generated by trails and paved paths is palpable across Northwest Arkansas, these findings validate cycling as a regional economic engine that supports local businesses, attracts tourists and builds healthier communities,” said Tom Walton, Home Region Program Committee chair. (more)
Here are some quick images from the slides:
