Assessing the Economic Impact and Health Effects of Bicycling in Minnesota

This project estimated the economic impact of the bicycling industry and events in Minnesota, estimated bicycling infrastructure use across the state, and assessed the health effects of bicycling in the Twin Cities metropolitan area (TCMA). A survey of bicycling-related manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, non-profit and advocacy groups found the industry produced a total of $779.9 million of economic activity in 2014. Using data from multiple sources, the number of bicycle trips in Minnesota was estimated to be between 75.2 and 96 million annually. The TCMA accounts for 69%-72% of the total number of trips and miles traveled in Minnesota. Bicycling events, including races, non-race rides, fundraising events, mountain bicycling events, high school races, and bicycle tours, produced a total of $14.3 million of economic activity in 2014. All six types of bicycling events mainly attract white, non-Hispanic male participants. “Riding my bicycle” was the most frequently identified reason to attend an event (except for fundraising event participants), and there is a variety of enjoyable attributes that differed across event types. Overall, respondents were satisfied with the events. Bicycle commuting prevents 12 to 61 deaths per year, saving $100 million to $500 million. Bicycle commuting three times per week is also linked to 46% lower odds of metabolic syndrome, 32% lower odds of obesity, and 28% lower odds of hypertension, all of which lower medical costs. Project findings tell a compelling story for the positive effects of bicycling and provide direct evidence that supports the efforts of promoting bicycling-related industry, infrastructure, events, and activities.

• Record URL:
  http://www.dot.state.mn.us/research/TS/2016/201636.pdf
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

  Tourism Center
  St. Paul, MN  United States 

  Minnesota Department of Transportation

  Research Services and Library
  395 John Ireland Boulevard
  St Paul, MN  United States  55155
• Authors:
  • Qian, Xinyi
  • Linscheid, Neil
  • Tuck, Brigid
  • Lindsey, Greg
  • Schoner, Jessica
  • Pereira, Mark
  • Berger, Aaron
• Publication Date: 2016-12

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Glossary; Maps; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 140p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bicycle commuting; Bicycle facilities; Bicycling; Cyclists; Demographics; Economic impacts; Evaluation and assessment; Health; Industries; Surveys
• Geographic Terms: Minnesota; Twin Cities Metropolitan Area (Minnesota)
• Subject Areas: Economics; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01622372
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: MN/RC 2016-36, CTS #2015019
• Contract Numbers: (c) 99008 (wo) 149
• Files: TRIS, ATRI, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Jan 13 2017 4:14PM