Research Pays Off: Bikeways to Prosperity: Assessing the Economic Impact of Bicycle Facilities

An economic impact analysis was conducted to determine if the benefits gained from North Carolina's extensive network of bicycle facilities would justify investment in additional facilities throughout the state. The current network of bicycle facilities consists of 55 miles of wide paved shoulders and multiuse pathways on the northern Outer Banks. It was found that the annual economic impact of $60 million and 1,407 jobs supported is a reasonable but conservative estimate of the benefits. The estimate compares favorably with the $6.7 million in public funds invested in the construction of the bicycle facilities. The study suggests that public investment in a network of bicycle facilities in other coastal and resort areas could return similar benefits, whether the area attracts tourists primarily for bicycling or for other reasons.

• Record URL:
  http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/trnews/trnews242.pdf
• 
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/07386826
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved
• Authors:
  • Lawrie, Judson J
  • Norman, Thomas P
  • Meletiou, Mary
  • O'Brien, Sarah W
• Publication Date: 2006-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: pp 32-33
• Serial:
  • TR News
  • Issue Number: 242
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0738-6826

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bicycle facilities; Bikeways; Economic analysis; Economic benefits; Economic impacts; Investments; Tourism
• Geographic Terms: North Carolina
• Subject Areas: Design; Economics; Highways; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Planning and Forecasting; Society; Terminals and Facilities; I10: Economics and Administration; I21: Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01022900
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Apr 21 2006 2:35PM